In the first e-business survey to target the opinions of Britainís future high-flyers, KPMG reveals that 17 and 18 years olds think that computers will be more important than telephones when starting their chosen career.
This signals further problems for employers in an already tight labour market with further widening of the skills gap. Within the next five years employers and HR directors could well find themselves having to invest significantly in developing interpersonal skills of those new to the job market with no end to the ëwar for talentí.
The Future Generation Internet Survey conducted by business advisers KPMG was designed to find out the attitudes and opinions of the next generation of business people towards the importance of e-business.
Other key findings from the Future Generation Internet Survey include:
85% of respondents use the Internet to search for information about universities and future career opportunities.
most thought that 99% of the population will have Internet access in five years time.
Internet access and a PC/laptop were voted as the most important tools needed when starting their career.
The majority of respondents use the Internet from home (86%) as opposed to at school (56%).
Most find email and sourcing information the most useful services on the Internet. The least useful services included video-voice link and Internet banking, although within the next five years the online banking will become one of the most useful services to them.
72% of respondents believe that in five years time access to the Internet and call charges will be free.
Derek McAllan concluded: ìThis research has given a great insight into the future perceptions of the Internet and e-business by tomorrowís business managers. It suggests that the future will be bright for traditional companies as long as they adapt their internal and customer-facing methods of working to meet the new business landscape.î
www.kpmg.co.uk
Itís good to talk? - 05/2001
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