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KG · AutomationCurated

Why automation could have a different effect this time

Summary

KG examines how learning software is increasingly taking over cognitive routines alongside physical work and changing entire professions. Automation becomes a problem of distribution as soon as productivity grows faster than new participation. Professions look stable, although their individual tasks carry very different automation risks.

Ideas

  • Machines first replace clearly describable tasks rather than entire professions.
  • Once developed, software can be copied at almost no additional marginal cost.
  • New activities do not automatically arise where displaced workers live or are qualified.

Recommendations

  • Break jobs down into tasks before you assess their automation potential.
  • Invest in transferable skills that combine judgement, collaboration and an understanding of systems.

References

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