Klemens Witte is discussing the impact of technology (digitalization, automation and AI) on the labour market. He argues that today the research community is divided over the question whether new technologies will entail substantial job losses or become a major factor for job creation.
However, decision-makers and especially politicians should have feasible strategies at hand to handle the outcomes of technological change. His main point is that technological change is not something that by definition has to overwhelm mankind. Rather, people – and politicians as their representatives- have to make an informed choice in which way they want technology to shape society. Governments should pass rules and legislation that benefit the majority of their constituencies and thus avoid further wealth concentration and endemic unemployment.