Automation and independent work in a digital economy

Demographic shifts, globalisation and new technologies are changing the nature of work and careers. Digitalisation is seen as a key influence on the future of work over the next decades. Ever-increasing computing power, Big Data, the penetration of the Internet, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet-of-Things and online platforms are among developments radically changing prospects for the type of jobs that will be needed in the future and how, where and by whom they will be done. This has sparked a debate about the risk of greater job insecurity, growing inequality and even mass “technological” unemployment.