Business Schools’ Report Identifies Critical Shortages in Skills to Reach Net-Zero Economy.
A new report involving interviews with peak industry bodies highlights critical shortages in specific technical skills and the vital role that business school graduates must play in the transition to a net-zero economy.
The report — based on discussions with organisations covering professions as diverse as farming, hospitality and finance — also shows the importance of life skills that enable graduates to respond, and adapt, to rapid change.
The research was undertaken by the Australian Business Schools Council (ABDC), the peak body for university business schools that educate 16% of all domestic students and 36% of the nation’s international students.
ABDC President, Professor Noel Lindsay of the University of Adelaide, says: “Australia’s business landscape is undergoing significant transformation, driven by climate change policy reforms, which are reshaping corporate obligations and opportunities.
“This has created robust demand for specialised roles like climate risk analysts, carbon accountants, and renewable energy specialists. There is also an increasing need for hybrid roles that bridge finance, technology, innovation, corporate strategy, and governance,” he says.
“In the past business schools have taught subjects in silos but that is changing as industry leaders tell us they want to see climate and sustainability topics integrated into business education.
“This can be achieved through cross-disciplinary learning, real-world experiential training, and professional short courses,” Professor Lindsay says.
The World Economic Forum estimates that the green economy will unlock a $14 trillion opportunity by 2030, driven by opportunities in renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, green consumer products and technology that improves resilience and adaptation.
“Climate change is a global phenomenon. We have to make sure that our students have a globally responsible mindset to analyse business decisions within the broader societal, environmental and cultural contexts,” Professor Lindsay says.
The report is part of the ABDC’s strategic focus on climate action. This includes business schools releasing a joint Climate Action Declaration, the appointment of Climate Action Fellow, Associate Professor Mel Edwards, and collaborative work with industry, climate-action organisations and the Principles for Responsible Management Education AUS-NZ Chapter (PRME).
For further information:- Associate Professor Mel Edwards, ABDC Climate Action Fellow. melissa.edwards2@unsw.edu.au.
- Leslie Falkiner-Rose, ABDC Communications. 0418 995240 or comms@abdc.edu.au