Framing the Future of Work

Luc Christensen, D’Souza, Ritika, Roberta V Gatti, Alexandria Valerio, Maria Laura Sanchez Puerta and Robert Palacios ()

No 30508513, Jobs Group Papers, Notes, and Guides from The World Bank

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: information and communication technology; international assessment; Human Development Practice; international federation; coverage of health insurance; skill need; access to the internet; Labor Market; person with disability; economies of scale; technological change; electronic payment system; participation of woman; cost of labor; formal labor market; social protection mechanism; taxes on labor; impact of technology; public access point; segments of society; social security system; adequate social security; Identification for Development; future of work; early childhood intervention; access to broadband; tax revenue stream; inequality will; access to technology; social insurance scheme; digital technology; digital economy; Digital Literacy; industrial robot; national income; labor demand; skill acquisition; technology frontier; lifelong learning; market power; technological frontier; employer-employee relationship; skill development; labor condition; Public Services; Electric Power; sectoral composition; foreign company; administrative barrier; country accounting; product innovation; technological skill; enabling environment; secondary degree; online community; written word; investment capital; digital development; labor activity; future worker; public intervention; technology gaps; emotional development; young child; technological penetration; literature review; market failure; wage increase; informal worker; industry trade; rural area; technology access; computer ownership; production technology; wage level; internet connectivity; soft skills; national market; internet servers; broadband subscribers; skilled labor; public-private partnership; internet connection; factory automation; employment arrangements; independent worker; online platform; workforce skill; rapid change; Technology Diffusion; consumption tax; independent contractor; Learning and Innovation Credit; payroll tax; technological improvement; contribution pension; increase productivity; future workforce; advanced technology; technological progress; cognitive skill; risk preference; richer countries; increasing inequality; social inclusion; traditional learning; university education; job loss; insurance obligation; productivity gain; market distortion; digital age; basic pension; coverage rate; innovation program; Cash Transfer; career path; human capital; functionally illiterate; future student; urban setting; employment opportunity; employment opportunities; productive employment; improved connectivity; living standard; transaction cost; working population; investment case; external market; disruptive technology; building skills; social background; indirect consequences; Job Creation; technology adoption; educational achievement; skill requirement (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 8
Date: 2018-10-17
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Working Paper: Framing the Future of Work (2018)
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