Rapid technological development has affected job markets around the world by reducing the number of jobs that involve manual work and simple routine tasks. These significant developments stir both threats and opportunities. Researchers hold divided views on how these rapid technological developments will affect future job markets. Some scientists argue that certain types of labour will be eradicated followed by mass unemployment, while some claim that by increased productivity will open new opportunities and retraining will lead to new professions and even more growth.

“There are features of the digitalisation and automation process that indicate an impact on the demand for labour. Digitalisation may impact many different types of occupations and may act as both a substitute and a complement to these. It appears to reinforce the transmission of certain skills and talents, which means that differences in productivity between various individuals in society can be expected to increase. The value of the right education and further education will thereby become increasingly important for the opportunity to be employed and for good wage development”, concludes authors of the report.

For more information about jobs and productivity in the digital economy watch the expert discussion here (in Swedish) or read the ESO report here.