Responding to Automation: Technology Adoption in Canadian Industries

We examine some of the determinants of automation and its impact on Canadian occupations and industries.

Executive Summary

Through a survey of management (223 respondents) and frontline workers (225 respondents), we examined some of the determinants of automation and its impact on Canadian occupations and industries. We supplemented this with an in-depth view into especially vulnerable (i.e., high-risk, low-mobility industries) via interviews with key stakeholders from accommodation and food services, manufacturing, retail trade, construction, and health care and social assistance. Specifically, we examined major technological developments and how organizations have responded to them, worker attitudes and expectations regarding technology use and adoption, and major barriers affecting technology adoption.