This thesis investigates worker substitutability in labor economics, focusing on the effects of technological advancements such as automation and artificial intelligence (AI) on the labor market. Worker substitutability refers to how easily one worker can be replaced by another without impacting productivity. The study explores how automation pressures wages, reduces bargaining power, and increases the risk of job displacement, particularly for workers in low-skill and routine roles. Analyzing automation trends and AI integration, the research highlights the differing vulnerability of job types to technological disruption. While tasks that are repetitive and easily automated face greater risk, jobs requiring creativity, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills are less affected. The role of unions and retraining programs is examined as a way to mitigate automation's impact by preserving jobs and supporting transitions into new roles. Using Italy as a case study, the thesis explores how industries are adapting to automation. It also examines the country's policies aimed at retaining workers through reskilling and labor protections while staying competitive globally. The research concludes by emphasizing the importance of strategic workforce planning to ensure technological progress benefits society and minimizes harm to workers.
This thesis investigates worker substitutability in labor economics, focusing on the effects of technological advancements such as automation and artificial intelligence (AI) on the labor market. Worker substitutability refers to how easily one worker can be replaced by another without impacting productivity. The study explores how automation pressures wages, reduces bargaining power, and increases the risk of job displacement, particularly for workers in low-skill and routine roles. Analyzing automation trends and AI integration, the research highlights the differing vulnerability of job types to technological disruption. While tasks that are repetitive and easily automated face greater risk, jobs requiring creativity, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills are less affected. The role of unions and retraining programs is examined as a way to mitigate automation's impact by preserving jobs and supporting transitions into new roles. Using Italy as a case study, the thesis explores how industries are adapting to automation. It also examines the country's policies aimed at retaining workers through reskilling and labor protections while staying competitive globally. The research concludes by emphasizing the importance of strategic workforce planning to ensure technological progress benefits society and minimizes harm to workers.
Navigating Worker Displacement in the Age of Automation: The Future of Work
MARCONI, DANIELE
2023/2024
Abstract
This thesis investigates worker substitutability in labor economics, focusing on the effects of technological advancements such as automation and artificial intelligence (AI) on the labor market. Worker substitutability refers to how easily one worker can be replaced by another without impacting productivity. The study explores how automation pressures wages, reduces bargaining power, and increases the risk of job displacement, particularly for workers in low-skill and routine roles. Analyzing automation trends and AI integration, the research highlights the differing vulnerability of job types to technological disruption. While tasks that are repetitive and easily automated face greater risk, jobs requiring creativity, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills are less affected. The role of unions and retraining programs is examined as a way to mitigate automation's impact by preserving jobs and supporting transitions into new roles. Using Italy as a case study, the thesis explores how industries are adapting to automation. It also examines the country's policies aimed at retaining workers through reskilling and labor protections while staying competitive globally. The research concludes by emphasizing the importance of strategic workforce planning to ensure technological progress benefits society and minimizes harm to workers.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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Tesi Daniele Marconi.pdf
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Descrizione: Tesi Magistrale di Daniele Marconi
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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12075/18732