Policies supporting shared prosperity may help address automation’s negative impacts

Although emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced robotics have the potential to drastically change the nature of work, recent research from the Aspen Institute suggests that policies for shared prosperity can help address the challenges and opportunities related to automation.

In Automation and a Changing Economy, the authors explore the impact of emerging technologies on workforce and economic security, as well as policies that address potential challenges and offer support for shared prosperity. From targeted interventions to systems-level changes to the social safety net, the report identifies 22 potential solutions meant to address four overarching objectives: encouraging employers to lead a human-centric approach to automation; enabling workers to access skills, training, good jobs, and new economic opportunities;  helping people and communities recover from displacements; and, understanding the impact of automation on the workforce.