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New technology and work: Exploring the challenges

Author

Listed:
  • John Burgess

    (RMIT University, Australia)

  • Julia Connell

    (University of Newcastle, Australia)

Abstract
Investigations into new technologies, employment and working conditions are timeless and consequently have occupied research, public policy, and popular fiction for centuries. However, in addition to the uncertainty created by the introduction of new technologies, the current coronavirus pandemic, with its associated impact on health and the economy, has led to increased volatility across the globe. The global medical crisis arising from the worldwide spread of COVID-19 is predicted to lead to a global economic crisis and subsequent deep depression. The resultant economic, social and political repercussions are likely to be felt for years or even decades to come, equalling the great depression of the last century. Consequently, it is difficult to make long-term accurate predictions about the impact of new technologies on industry, society, and labour. In this context, the aim of this introductory article to the themed volume is to consider the potential challenges and opportunities associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and potential impacts on work and workplaces. This introductory article comprises an international collection of research that examines the impact of technological change on employment and working conditions with consideration given to the additional impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. JEL Codes: O14, O33

Suggested Citation

  • John Burgess & Julia Connell, 2020. "New technology and work: Exploring the challenges," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 31(3), pages 310-323, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecolab:v:31:y:2020:i:3:p:310-323
    DOI: 10.1177/1035304620944296
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    1. Nicoleta Valentina Florea & Constantin Aurelian Ionescu & Marinela Daniela Manea & Dan Ioan Topor & Sorinel Capusneanu & Dan Marius Coman & Sorina Geanina Stanescu & Mihaela Denisa Coman, 2023. "Implementing ABC as Cost Management Model for the Human Resources Department: Evidence From a Romanian Entity," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(2), pages 21582440231, May.
    2. Grybauskas, Andrius & Stefanini, Alessandro & Ghobakhloo, Morteza, 2022. "Social sustainability in the age of digitalization: A systematic literature Review on the social implications of industry 4.0," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 70(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    COVID-19; fourth industrial revolution; new technology; work; workplaces;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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