The world is changing. Not just volatile weather – snow in Florida, tempest in Ireland – but in the socio-economic dynamic that has borne humanity to this position in civilisation. We are running out of jobs.
Technology is taking over all employment, except the lowest paid, menial tasks and the highest paid, bespoke services. Even lawyers and accountants are being pushed aside by technology that can do their jobs quicker, better and cheaper. (We look forward to politicians being expunged from the system too.)
This problem has been growing for decades, but ignored by most, until now. It seems that now awareness has grown to a critical level so that the issue is being raised in the corridors of power (including WEF) and, this week, leads The Economist’s selection.
What is difficult to address and scares everyone is that if we are to embrace the technology that gives us leisure and luxury, the whole system of social and economic dynamics must evolve. Few people can envision what that might entail and the rich and powerful are loathe to address the issue because the pyramid of power must flatten.
The Economist: Technology and jobs – Coming to an office near you
The Economist: The future of jobs – The onrushing wave
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