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Automation in the automotive sector: Romania, Spain and Germany

Author

Listed:
  • Russo, Margherita
  • Simonazzi, Annamaria
  • Cetrulo, Armanda Cetrulo

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of technological upgrades and automation, on employment and working conditions in the automotive, sector in Romania, Spain and Germany. Utilising qualitative research methods, the study examines work organisation, job quality, and occupational composition from a gender perspective. The findings of the study exploring the impact of technology, identified main drivers for automation implementation as increased productivity, quality, and reduced manual labour availability. Automation and robotisation have also increased flexibility to cope with the variable composition of final products and the traceability of production processes. Barriers include high costs, technical difficulties, and the need for worker training. It observed that automation can simplify tasks, create new jobs, and increase responsibilities in middle management and team/shift leaders, while potentially reducing worker autonomy and increasing work pace. Positive job quality implications include ergonomics and improved operators' safety. Automation has reduced the number of line operators, while increased maintenance workers, quality control, logistics and indirect labour. The study observed vertical and horizontal gender segregation in hybrid production processes, with advancements towards horizontal gender equality in technologically advanced establishments. Addressing cultural attitudes and technical challenges is crucial for equitable benefits, as both industries currently undergo a transitional phase.

Suggested Citation

  • Russo, Margherita & Simonazzi, Annamaria & Cetrulo, Armanda Cetrulo, 2023. "Automation in the automotive sector: Romania, Spain and Germany," MPRA Paper 121585, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:121585
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    File URL: https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/121707/1/MPRA_paper_121585.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gorgoni, Sara & Amighini, Alessia & Smith, Matthew, 2018. "Automotive international trade networks: A comparative analysis over the last two decades," Network Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 6(4), pages 571-606, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    automotive sector; automation; digital transformation; OEMs; Ford; Renault; Dacia; Tier 1 suppliers; Tier 2 suppliers; Spain; Romania; Germany;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J5 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining
    • J51 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - Trade Unions: Objectives, Structure, and Effects
    • J58 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - Public Policy
    • L1 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance
    • L62 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Automobiles; Other Transportation Equipment; Related Parts and Equipment

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