Digitisation and the Future of Work

Abstract Rapidly increasing computing power means that more and more activities that previously seemed reserved for humans can now be automated using machines and algorithms. This technological change has sparked a public debate about possible job losses and the threat of mass unemployment. From a s...

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Main Authors: Melanie Arntz, Terry Gregory, Ulrich Zierahn
Format: Article
Language:deu
Published: Sciendo 2020-04-01
Series:Wirtschaftsdienst
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10273-020-2614-6
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author Melanie Arntz
Terry Gregory
Ulrich Zierahn
author_facet Melanie Arntz
Terry Gregory
Ulrich Zierahn
author_sort Melanie Arntz
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Rapidly increasing computing power means that more and more activities that previously seemed reserved for humans can now be automated using machines and algorithms. This technological change has sparked a public debate about possible job losses and the threat of mass unemployment. From a scientific perspective, this is clearly exaggerated for four reasons: Firstly, the technological potential for automating jobs is often clearly overestimated. Secondly, by no means will every potential automation actually be put into operational practice. Thirdly, a division of labour between man and machine that adapts flexibly again and again often prevents job losses. And fourthly, automation releases compensation mechanisms that counteract the original displacement effect. An end to work is therefore not in sight, despite constantly increasing technical possibilities, even if this far reaching structural change presents new challenges for workers.
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institution Kabale University
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language deu
publishDate 2020-04-01
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series Wirtschaftsdienst
spelling doaj-art-1b24e3f6b6d542af804dce4b37cbe8672025-02-02T02:35:43ZdeuSciendoWirtschaftsdienst0043-62751613-978X2020-04-01100S1414710.1007/s10273-020-2614-6Digitisation and the Future of WorkMelanie Arntz0Terry Gregory1Ulrich Zierahn2Arbeitsmärkte und Personalmanagement, ZEW–Leibniz-Zentrum für Europäische Wirtschaftsforschung GmbH MannheimArbeitsmärkte und Personalmanagement, ZEW–Leibniz-Zentrum für Europäische Wirtschaftsforschung GmbH MannheimArbeitsmärkte und Personalmanagement, ZEW–Leibniz-Zentrum für Europäische Wirtschaftsforschung GmbH MannheimAbstract Rapidly increasing computing power means that more and more activities that previously seemed reserved for humans can now be automated using machines and algorithms. This technological change has sparked a public debate about possible job losses and the threat of mass unemployment. From a scientific perspective, this is clearly exaggerated for four reasons: Firstly, the technological potential for automating jobs is often clearly overestimated. Secondly, by no means will every potential automation actually be put into operational practice. Thirdly, a division of labour between man and machine that adapts flexibly again and again often prevents job losses. And fourthly, automation releases compensation mechanisms that counteract the original displacement effect. An end to work is therefore not in sight, despite constantly increasing technical possibilities, even if this far reaching structural change presents new challenges for workers.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10273-020-2614-6
spellingShingle Melanie Arntz
Terry Gregory
Ulrich Zierahn
Digitisation and the Future of Work
Wirtschaftsdienst
title Digitisation and the Future of Work
title_full Digitisation and the Future of Work
title_fullStr Digitisation and the Future of Work
title_full_unstemmed Digitisation and the Future of Work
title_short Digitisation and the Future of Work
title_sort digitisation and the future of work
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s10273-020-2614-6
work_keys_str_mv AT melaniearntz digitisationandthefutureofwork
AT terrygregory digitisationandthefutureofwork
AT ulrichzierahn digitisationandthefutureofwork