The period of technological change we are currently living through is largely defined by a growing rate of adoption of automation technologies across both manual and non-manual occupations, in services and manufacturing, and in operational and administrative functions.

This is simultaneously reducing the demand for labour in tasks that can be done by programmable equipment, while also creating new tasks which are complementary to machines, and augment human work.

This transformation, driven by technology but ultimately depending on how business leaders and workers are responding to it, will have an impact on how much work is created and what it is like.

Evidence has shown that the adoption of technology associated with automation accelerated through the pandemic and that the impacts of technological disruption have been unevenly distributed.

Many businesses and institutions are at a critical juncture in terms of response to these multidimensional policy challenges. However less has been known about how different management philosophies and practices impact the decision to adopt technologies, the implementation process and associated outcomes for workers.

The Pissarides Review is providing new insights into the factors that influence investment into automating technologies at the firm level, and how management and human resource philosophies impact outcomes for workers and firms through the process of technology adoption.

Publications on this theme include: