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How digital technology affects working conditions in globally fragmented production chains: evidence from Europe

Author

Listed:
  • Aleksandra Parteka

    (Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, Poland)

  • Joanna Wolszczak-Derlacz

    (Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, Poland)

  • Dagmara Nikulin

    (Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, Poland)

Abstract

This paper uses a sample of over 9.5 million workers from 22 European countries to study the intertwined effects of digital technology and cross-border production links on workers' wellbeing. We compare the social effects of technological change exhibited by three types of innovation: computerisation (software), automation (robots) and artificial intelligence (AI). To fully quantify work-related wellbeing, we propose a new methodology that corrects the information on remuneration by reference to such non-monetary factors as the work environment (physical and social), career development prospects, or work intensity. We show that workers' wellbeing depends on the type of technological exposure. Employees in occupations with high software or robots content face worse working conditions than those exposed to AI. The impact of digitalisation on working conditions depends on participation in global production. To demonstrate this, we estimate a set of augmented models for determination of working conditions, interacting technological factors with Global Value Chain participation. GVC intensification is accompanied by deteriorating working conditions - but only in occupations exposed to robots or software, not in AI-intensive jobs. In other words, we find that AI technologies differ from previous waves of technological progress - also in their impact on workers' wellbeing within global production structures.

Suggested Citation

  • Aleksandra Parteka & Joanna Wolszczak-Derlacz & Dagmara Nikulin, 2021. "How digital technology affects working conditions in globally fragmented production chains: evidence from Europe," GUT FME Working Paper Series A 66, Faculty of Management and Economics, Gdansk University of Technology.
    • Handle: RePEc:gdk:wpaper:66
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    digital technologies; working conditions; GVC; Global Value Chains; artificial intelligence; AI;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F1 - International Economics - - Trade
    • F6 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization
    • J8 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards
    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights

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