Clarifying the influences determining how and to what extent highly qualified personnel are employed, this study discusses those sorts of economic and technological advances affecting employment potentials. Two main trends in scientific and technological progress--computerized industries and the high science-content of production--have so increased the amount of technological equipment available per worker and restructured the economy based on technological innovation that they have altered the occupations and skill requirements of the labor market. A statistical analysis of the distribution of scientific and technical manpower in industry shows that the training of technicians and scientists leads in the long run to a qualitative transformation of production and the system of production, leading in turn to increased emphasis on vocational and professional education as means of increased worker proficiency. As production becomes increasingly science-intensive, education is becoming one of the most important components of production. In the future, jobs will require breadth of qualifications and experience, regular re-training, and a high level of general education--all gained from an education restructred to include scientific, vocational, and general education. However, making truly effective use of highly qualified specialists depends upon the extent to which economic and technological policy is directed towards satisfying social needs. (JW)