Journal Article

Training und Wissenstransfer in alternden Belegschaften

Abstract

The transfer of knowledge is a key determinant of productivity both at the level of firms and at the level of the economy as a whole. In the presence of demographic change intergenerational knowledge transfer assumes a particular importance. Transfer of knowledge occurs in both directions: The young acquire experience knowledge (knowhow) from the old. The old learn from the young about new products and processes. Population ageing changes the circumstances under which knowledge transfer takes place. Ageing affects the ratio between the supply of knowledge and the demand for it as well as the need for continuous training. This article provides an overview on the role of continuous education within an ageing workforce and sketches how the transfer of know-how between old and young may be compromised through demographic change.