Abstract:

The fourth industrial revolution dictates the need for continuous training and retraining of a large number of employees with different levels of education around the world. Analysis of statistical data for the Russian Federation shows that the risk of automation is low for all employees with different levels of education in the short term. In the medium term, an increase in the prestige of higher education in technical areas of training is expected. The authors hypothesize that at the moment Industry 4.0 contributes to an increase in the differentiation of Russian regions in terms of the degree of need for employees with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education. To test the hypothesis put forward, statistical, logical and mathematical methods of data analysis were used. Statistical and mathematical methods of analysis allowed the authors to select the two most similar regions according to the prevailing conditions for the transition to Industry 4.0. St. Petersburg and the Sverdlovsk Region are technologically advanced regions with a high level of industrial development. The research results showed that St. Petersburg has a higher level of human and educational potential. In this connection, there is a high concentration of employees with STEM education in St. Petersburg. The authors have identified threats to the well-being of employees without STEM education and living in regions with a low level of industrial development. The research results can be useful for decision-makers in the education system. The modern education system must be sensitive to changes in industrial development at both the state and regional levels in order to level the digital and economic divide between regions and countries.

Keywords:

STEM education, employees, Industry 4.0, well-being.