Easing job jitters in the digital revolution | Cyprus Mail

EU Research Supports Companies and Workers in the Face of Technological Changes

Introduction

As new technologies reshape workplaces, EU research has come up with new ways to help companies and workers stay in control. The research emphasizes the opportunities rather than threats posed by technology and highlights the importance of developing new business practices and welfare support to shape the future and create new jobs.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Industry 4.0

The rapid advancement of digital technologies is considered the fourth industrial revolution, known as “Industry 4.0.” This revolution is characterized by automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI). Professor Steven Dhondt, an expert in work and organizational change, explains that concerns about technology’s impact on jobs reflect wider questions about employment practices and the labor market.

The Beyond4.0 Project: Adapting Businesses and Welfare Systems

The EU-funded Beyond4.0 project, led by Professor Dhondt, aimed to explore how businesses and welfare systems can better adapt to support workers in the face of technological changes. The project studied businesses across Europe that have taken proactive steps to empower employees and ensure their competitiveness in the changing landscape. One example is the Dutch glass company Metaglas, which invested in its workforce and implemented a program called “MetaWay” to enhance job quality and retain workers.

The Role of Management and Collaboration

Professor Dhondt emphasizes that the role of management is crucial in determining whether technology is an enabler or a threat to jobs. If technology is used to enhance jobs, workers and organizations can learn and improve. The project also highlights successful examples of collaboration between businesses, universities, and policymakers, such as the Finnish city of Oulu, which transformed its economy after the decline of Nokia’s handset business.

Exploring New Forms of Welfare Support

The Beyond4.0 project also examined new forms of welfare support to assist those who are out of work. The project evaluated the feasibility of a “universal basic income” (UBI) and a “participation income” model. While UBI was found to potentially weaken social solidarity, the participation income approach requires recipients to undertake activities beneficial to society. The project’s findings have informed discussions and debates on welfare support in Finland.

HECAT: Helping Job Seekers Adapt to Technological Changes

Dr. Aisling Tuite led an EU-funded project called HECAT, which aimed to help job seekers find suitable work and develop new skills through an open online system. The project combined new vacancies with career counseling and current labor-market data to provide personalized support for job seekers. The system was tested during the project, and a beta version is now available for use in all EU countries where data is available.

Conclusion

The EU research projects, Beyond4.0 and HECAT, demonstrate the importance of adapting to technological changes and supporting workers in the evolving job market. By emphasizing opportunities, developing new business practices, and providing welfare support, companies and individuals can navigate the changing tech landscape and create a sustainable future.

Research in this article was funded by the EU.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities.
   • Indicator 8.2.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person.
   • Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
   • Indicator 9.2.1: Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage, and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.
   • Indicator 10.4.1: Labour share of GDP, comprising wages and social protection transfers.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

The article discusses the impact of new technologies on workplaces and highlights the need for companies and workers to adapt to these changes. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

This SDG is addressed in the article through the discussion of the impact of technology on jobs and the need for new business practices and welfare support. The targets and indicators relevant to this SDG are:

• Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation. This target is relevant as it emphasizes the need for businesses to adapt to technological changes and use technology to enhance jobs.
• Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities. This target is relevant as it highlights the importance of ensuring that technology does not lead to job losses but rather creates new job opportunities.
• Indicator 8.2.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person. This indicator can be used to measure progress towards achieving higher levels of economic productivity through technological upgrading.
• Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities. This indicator can be used to measure progress towards achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

This SDG is addressed in the article through the discussion of the fourth industrial revolution driven by automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The target and indicator relevant to this SDG are:

• Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. This target is relevant as it emphasizes the need for businesses to embrace technological advancements and foster innovation.
• Indicator 9.2.1: Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita. This indicator can be used to measure progress towards promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

This SDG is addressed in the article through the discussion of the importance of adopting policies to achieve greater equality in the face of technological changes. The target and indicator relevant to this SDG are:

• Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage, and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality. This target is relevant as it highlights the need for policies that ensure fairness and equality in the face of technological advancements.
• Indicator 10.4.1: Labour share of GDP, comprising wages and social protection transfers. This indicator can be used to measure progress towards achieving greater equality in terms of labor share of GDP.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: cyprus-mail.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.