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Rethinking country effects: robotics, AI and work futures in Norway and the UK
Author(s) -
Lloyd Caroline,
Payne Jonathan
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
new technology, work and employment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.889
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1468-005X
pISSN - 0268-1072
DOI - 10.1111/ntwe.12149
Subject(s) - relevance (law) , futures contract , robotics , work (physics) , political science , artificial intelligence , power (physics) , sociology , public relations , economics , engineering , law , robot , computer science , mechanical engineering , physics , quantum mechanics , financial economics
Current debates around robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are dominated by concerns over the threat to employment, amid widely varying estimates of potential job losses. Countries are expected to fare differently, but there is little comparative research that goes beyond analysing industry and occupational structures. This article rethinks ‘country effects’ by exploring the role of institutions and social actors in shaping technological change in Norway and the UK. Drawing upon interviews with technology experts, employer associations and trade unions, it examines their perspectives on public policy support for the development and diffusion of robotics and AI, along with potential consequences for employment, work and skills. The research indicates significant country differences and the continued relevance of institutions, interests and power in analysing country effects.