Framing the Future of Work
Digital technologies affect employment through complex channels: automation, connectivity, and innovation. Labor-saving technologies coupled with reshoring may disrupt labor markets in developing countries and result in job losses. Yet, technologic...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Language: | English |
| Published: |
World Bank, Washington, DC
2018
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/806971539845535746/Framing-the-future-of-work http://hdl.handle.net/10986/30589 |
| Summary: | Digital technologies affect employment
through complex channels: automation, connectivity, and
innovation. Labor-saving technologies coupled with reshoring
may disrupt labor markets in developing countries and result
in job losses. Yet, technological change drives productivity
gains in both white-collar and blue-collar jobs either
through ICT uptake or modern mechanical technologies. The
‘gig economy’ changes the traditional employer-employee
relationship as it introduces new types of work. Digital
platforms increase flexibility and labor market
transparency, but delink workers from employers and from
social benefits and protections making them more vulnerable.
Policymakers in rich and poor countries alike should rethink
social protection mechanisms. Technology diffusion has
created divided worlds varying by region and income level.
Job automation is likely to have a greater impact on less
skilled workers than those with a university education (40
percent versus 5 percent in OECD countries). Moving towards
a digital economy will reward those with access to broadband
connectivity, strong institutions, and digital literacy.
Future workers must acquire basic IT skills together with
socio emotional skills that adapt to a lifelong learning
environment in a changing jobs landscape. Technology can
also increase labor market access for women and persons with
disabilities, given the right ‘analog’ complements are in
place. Technological change will affect the number, quality,
and distribution of jobs across the world. In developing
countries, the future workforce should be ready to embrace
technology, digital literacy, and connectedness—bringing
everyone closer to the technological frontier. |
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