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Technological progress and the future of work

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  • Schilirò, Daniele

Abstract

This contribution focuses on the impact of technological progress on the long-term growth, its effects on the labor factor, and its influence on the future of work. Technological progress alters the nature of work and society as a whole, but it does not necessarily benefit everyone. The paper emphasizes that technological progress, including the adoption of digital technologies and automation processes, often involves the substitution of machines for labor, which can lead to the displacement of workers. It also acknowledges the existence of counterbalancing forces. Technological progress can also lead to changes in the quality of work, transforming jobs and necessitating the emergence of new tasks, skills, and retraining efforts, along with the creation of new professional roles. Particular attention is devoted to the recent evolution of AI, including generative AI, and its disruptive effect on work. The main argument of this paper is that the disruption caused by digital technologies puts many jobs at risk. However, the most evident effect is not so much that there will be fewer jobs with the introduction of technologies such as AI, but rather that the nature of work will change.

Suggested Citation

  • Schilirò, Daniele, 2023. "Technological progress and the future of work," MPRA Paper 117927, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:117927
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Romer, Paul M, 1986. "Increasing Returns and Long-run Growth," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 94(5), pages 1002-1037, October.
    2. Schilirò, Daniele, 2020. "Towards digital globalization and the covid-19 challenge," MPRA Paper 100504, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised May 2020.
    3. Acemoglu, Daron & Autor, David, 2011. "Skills, Tasks and Technologies: Implications for Employment and Earnings," Handbook of Labor Economics, in: O. Ashenfelter & D. Card (ed.), Handbook of Labor Economics, edition 1, volume 4, chapter 12, pages 1043-1171, Elsevier.
    4. David H. Autor, 2015. "Why Are There Still So Many Jobs? The History and Future of Workplace Automation," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 29(3), pages 3-30, Summer.
    5. Romer, Paul M, 1990. "Endogenous Technological Change," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 98(5), pages 71-102, October.
    6. David Autor, 2022. "The Labor Market Impacts of Technological Change: From Unbridled Enthusiasm to Qualified Optimism to Vast Uncertainty," NBER Working Papers 30074, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    7. Schilirò, Daniele, 2021. "Digital transformation, COVID-19, and the future of work," MPRA Paper 108817, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Technological progress; digital technologies; growth; technological unemployment; job displacement; transformation of work; new tasks; future jobs.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • M53 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Training
    • M54 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Labor Management
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General

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