How the benefits of technology-driven productivity are shared among employers, employees, consumers, and the government? What are the associated sustainability concerns?
Technology innovations may impact employment through the displacement effect and productivity effect. The displacement effect is characterized by the displacement of workers from one task to another, while the productivity effect of technology is felt in the form of an increase in employment in new industries or jobs (Petropoulos, 2018). As technology trends shift toward a combo of automation and artificial intelligence, these effects may experience disruptions. Are we ready for that?
Petropoulos, G. (2018). The impact of artificial intelligence on employment. Praise for Work in the Digital Age, 119, 121.
Dear Brajesh Mishra ,
Emerging technologies offer immense potential for achieving sustainability goals, but also pose significant challenges. While technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain can optimize resource management, enhance energy efficiency, and improve transparency, they also come with their own environmental costs, including increased energy consumption, e-waste, and potential privacy concerns.
https://irgc.org/risk-governance/ensuring-the-environmental-sustainability-of-emerging-technologies/
Regards,
Shafagat
Tech Productivity Gains
In the realm of technology, various stakeholders experience distinct advantages:
1. Employers benefit from reduced costs and increased efficiency in their operations.
2. Employees face opportunities for upskilling and greater flexibility in their roles; however, there is also the potential risk of job loss as automation advances.
3. Consumers enjoy enhanced services and lower prices, thanks to technological innovations.
4. Governments can implement smarter policies and improve service delivery through technology.
Sustainability Concerns
While technology offers significant benefits, it also raises important sustainability issues. Key concerns include the energy consumption, electronic waste, and carbon emissions linked to digital systems. Additionally, challenges such as digital inequality and data ethics pose threats to long-term equity in society.
Dear Shafagat Mahmudova ,
Thank you for the insights. You have rightly summed up the issue in the link shared by you.
"The ‘rush for solutions’ to immediate problems may overlook countervailing risks to environmental sustainability"
Dear Dr Bhavna Bajpai ,
I agree that various stakeholders experience distinct advantages. However, they do result in long-term adverse impacts on the environment, data ethics, and pose threats to long-term equity in society.
As the disruptive power of emerging technologies continues to rise, sustainability concerns should gain the prominence they deserve at an early stage from the research community, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
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