Volvo 2013 Annual Report Download - page 10

A GLOBAL GROUP 2013 OPERATING CONTEXT TRANSPORT NEEDS TODAY AND TOMORROW
Every year, according to the World Health Organiza-
tion, there are more than 1.2 million road traffi c fatali-
ties and as many as 50 million people are injured in
traffi c. The WHO predicts that traffi c fatalities could
be among the top fi ve causes of death worldwide by
2030. The tragedy of traffi c injuries and fatalities is
accentuated by the fact that the problems are worst
where resources to counteract them are the scarcest;
for example, low and middle income countries account
for the majority of traffi c fatalities.
As more nations and organizations set increasingly
ambitious goals for passenger and commercial traffi c
safety, there is a growing trend for authorities to reg-
ulate commercial vehicles and make certain safety
systems mandatory. As population and economies
grow, the rising number of vehicles to transport in -
creasing volumes of goods adds to the widespread
risk of theft of both vehicles and goods. Safety and
security, therefore, continues to be a key focus for
the transport and infrastructure industry.
The transport and infrastructure industry requires a
broad range of competences, from engineering and
technical skills to management, leadership and fi nan-
cial skills. Multiple factors infl uence the availability of
skilled employees for the industry, both today and in
the future. These include falling interest in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in
some developed countries; limitations of the educa-
tional systems in some emerging markets; and the
long-term decline in the number of people of working
age in advanced markets.
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Safety and security Competition for skills
Smart vehicles and systems for safety
and security
We invest in advanced research and development
and collaborate with key partners to develop smart
technology and vehicle safety and security solutions
that improve conditions for drivers, road users,
pedestrians, vehicles and cargo. As a global manu-
facturer of transport solutions, the Volvo Group works
to help develop solutions adapted to the specifi c
needs of each society and market and strives to fi nd
ways to collaborate on raising traffi c safety standards.
A proactive and attractive employer
We see these challenges as an opportunity to create
different ways of attracting and developing a compe-
tent talent pool. For example, in addition to improving
the quality of training we offer in our established
markets, we are now providing vocational training in
growing markets. We also support many activities to
increase young people’s interest in STEM.
Examples of our solutions
Long-term challenges
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