Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing in areas such as pattern detection, classification, and prediction, which were long thought to be the exclusive realm of humans. These developments are triggering excitement about the potential of AI but are also raising concerns about possible risks. The versatility of AI and its speed of development have led to a wide range of applications, both in personal and professional environments. The most dramatic effects are, however, in the world of work. AI is impacting job loss and employability and causing a transformation of tasks in a range of occupations and sectors. It is also affecting other aspects of the labor market, such as recruitment, performance monitoring, and dismissal. As such, the development and implementation of AI are raising concerns about the future of work, both in terms of its mere existence and quality, with critical implications for the social fabric as well as future development prospects.
This Research Topic aims at analyzing developments in AI core technologies and their implications in the world of work. This includes an overview of current applications and future trends around automation, job augmentation (e.g., augmented reality), human resources analytics, digital management, leadership, or the enforcement and protection of labor regulations. More specifically, the Research Topic seeks to shed light on:
• The impact of AI technological developments in the world of work, including the risk for job destruction and opportunities for job growth but also on job transitions;
• Changes to workplace management and team production;
• Implications for labor relations, collective bargaining, and co-determination;
• Safety and health at the workplace, labor inspection;
• Worker surveillance and data privacy, as well as algorithmic biases in recruitment and performance assessment.
Papers that analyze transformations in specific sectors or occupations are particularly welcome. As the article collection seeks to address policy implications, we welcome innovative considerations of possible policy solutions, including:
• Eco-system approaches for competence and HR data management, including the establishment of data trusts;
• The potential and design of education and vocational training measures;
• Policies to address algorithmic biases, including regulatory responses;
• Collective bargaining;
• Taxation, including the establishment of sovereign wealth funds;
• Design and finance new forms of social protection.
We welcome original research papers from a broad range of disciplinary perspectives and encourage authors to submit papers using primary data, including surveys among workers, companies, and their representatives, expert assessments on technological trends, new indicators regarding the technological evolution of AI and its labor market implications or the analysis of patents, start-ups and other data related to the development of the AI industry with a view on the impact on jobs and workplaces. Submissions from scholars in emerging and developing countries or with a focus on these countries are highly encouraged. Qualitative and quantitative comparison of country, sectoral or occupational trends will also be considered. Authors are encouraged to elaborate on the policy implications of their findings.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing in areas such as pattern detection, classification, and prediction, which were long thought to be the exclusive realm of humans. These developments are triggering excitement about the potential of AI but are also raising concerns about possible risks. The versatility of AI and its speed of development have led to a wide range of applications, both in personal and professional environments. The most dramatic effects are, however, in the world of work. AI is impacting job loss and employability and causing a transformation of tasks in a range of occupations and sectors. It is also affecting other aspects of the labor market, such as recruitment, performance monitoring, and dismissal. As such, the development and implementation of AI are raising concerns about the future of work, both in terms of its mere existence and quality, with critical implications for the social fabric as well as future development prospects.
This Research Topic aims at analyzing developments in AI core technologies and their implications in the world of work. This includes an overview of current applications and future trends around automation, job augmentation (e.g., augmented reality), human resources analytics, digital management, leadership, or the enforcement and protection of labor regulations. More specifically, the Research Topic seeks to shed light on:
• The impact of AI technological developments in the world of work, including the risk for job destruction and opportunities for job growth but also on job transitions;
• Changes to workplace management and team production;
• Implications for labor relations, collective bargaining, and co-determination;
• Safety and health at the workplace, labor inspection;
• Worker surveillance and data privacy, as well as algorithmic biases in recruitment and performance assessment.
Papers that analyze transformations in specific sectors or occupations are particularly welcome. As the article collection seeks to address policy implications, we welcome innovative considerations of possible policy solutions, including:
• Eco-system approaches for competence and HR data management, including the establishment of data trusts;
• The potential and design of education and vocational training measures;
• Policies to address algorithmic biases, including regulatory responses;
• Collective bargaining;
• Taxation, including the establishment of sovereign wealth funds;
• Design and finance new forms of social protection.
We welcome original research papers from a broad range of disciplinary perspectives and encourage authors to submit papers using primary data, including surveys among workers, companies, and their representatives, expert assessments on technological trends, new indicators regarding the technological evolution of AI and its labor market implications or the analysis of patents, start-ups and other data related to the development of the AI industry with a view on the impact on jobs and workplaces. Submissions from scholars in emerging and developing countries or with a focus on these countries are highly encouraged. Qualitative and quantitative comparison of country, sectoral or occupational trends will also be considered. Authors are encouraged to elaborate on the policy implications of their findings.
