b'CommentaryEducation mattersof data and the various ways in whichThe challenge for higherpartnership between industry and higher we utilise it. If by digitalisation youeducation lies in impartingeducation, where industry supports mean this aspect, then computereducation programmes, but this isnt skills, understanding of big data, andfundamental machinethe case in Australia. The economics of pro\x1eciency in machine learning arelearning and computer skillseducation, particularly in niche areas crucial for the future. This requirementwithout compromising otherlike geophysics, are challenging. On one extends beyond energy transition; itessentialskills. hand, the study of geophysics requires permeates all aspects of life. I recall astudents with good maths skills. On time when terms like machine learningthe other hand, the number of such and big data gained popularity, andstudents is small, and small classes are individuals in the hard sciences initiallyability to do anything without them.uneconomic to run.dismissed them as tools exclusivetoAchieving this balance is daunting, and the soft sciences, devoid of theoreticalwhile progress has been made in smallThis squeeze calls for a rethinking of underpinnings. However, those sameincrements, it will undoubtedly take timefunding for education and greater individuals eventually embraced themto fully integrate these skills into theindustry involvement. While some as essential tools. This shift may beeducationalcurriculum. Australian companies have considered attributed to the exponentialgrowthpartnerships and academies, these in computing power, enabling theMP:Overall, what kind of specialistsinitiatives often fail to materialise. application of techniques that wereare required to successfully pursue theCompanies sometimes \x1end it easier to once inconceivable, even though neuralclean energy transition in Australia? import overseas professionals than to networks had already been invented.invest in the Australian education system. While challenges persist, especiallyBG:Maybe Im attached to the old STEMHowever, there should be incentives for regarding the transparency of machineeducation and its importance. Im unsurecompanies to invest in education.learning processes, this technologyhow to solve this problem because it starts a deeper discussion aboutMP:Thank you, Boris, for sharing has signi\x1ecantly accelerated variouseducating our kids in the 21st centuryyour experience and wisdom with processes and yielded remarkable results.and what interests them. In my view,Preview readers.The challenge for higher educationAustralia is putting a lot of e\x1fort into this lies in imparting fundamental machinearea, perhaps learning from countries like learning and computer skills withoutJapan and Finland. compromising other essential skills. We must avoid producing graduatesHowever, the industry needs to betterThe industry needs who can merely operate complexunderstand the economics of higherto betterunderstand the networks without understanding theireducation, especially in geosciences. In underlying principles or without ansome countries, theres a much closereconomics of higher education.30 PREVIEWAPRIL 2024'