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Could Automation Actually Create More Jobs Than It Destroys?

Could Automation Actually Create More Jobs Than It Destroys?

The short answer is yes, by creating more demand through growth in those fields where automation enhances human capabilities, not just replaces them. But with the added proviso, ‘eventually.’
The question is whether society is willing to invest in programs that ease the transition and thus improve the short term economics. JL

The Economist reports : Rather than destroying jobs, automation redefines them in ways that boost demand. Employment grew faster in occupations ( graphic design) that made more use of computers: as automation sped up a job, workers do the other parts better. More computer-intensive jobs displaced less […]

U.S. Factories Are Working Again; Factory Workers, Not So Much

U.S. Factories Are Working Again; Factory Workers, Not So Much

Manufacturing output in the U.S. is nearing prerecession levels, but about 1.5 million factory jobs—roughly… Factories were humming back to life even before a pledge to revitalize American manufacturing helped propel Donald Trump to the presidency.

But jobs aren’t returning in kind, a reality that will make it tough for Mr. Trump—or anyone—to significantly boost employment in the industrial heartland, as he has pledged to do. Technology and automation have given manufacturing companies the means to function, and even thrive, with fewer employees than ever before.

Manufacturing output is nearing prerecession levels. But about 1.5 million factory jobs—about 20% of positions […]

Finland will soon hand out cash to 2,000 jobless people – the idea, universal basic income, is gaining traction

Finland will soon hand out cash to 2,000 jobless people – the idea, universal basic income, is gaining traction

Martti Kainulainen | AFP | Getty Images

No one would confuse this frigid corner of northern Finland with Silicon Valley. Notched in low pine forests just 100 miles below the Arctic Circle, Oulu seems more likely to achieve dominance at herding reindeer than at nurturing technology start-ups.

But this city has roots as a hub for wireless communications, and keen aspirations in innovation. It also has thousands of skilled engineers in need of work. Many were laid off by Nokia, the Finnish company once synonymous with mobile telephones and more recently at risk of fading into oblivion.While entrepreneurs are eager to […]

What Pisses Me Off About Universal Basic Income (UBI)

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Dutch city plans to pay citizens a ‘basic income’ whether they… December 28, 2015 (UTRECHT) It’s an idea whose adherents over the centuries have ranged from socialists to libertarians to far-right mavericks. It was first proposed by Thomas Paine in his 1797 pamphlet, Agrarian Justice, as a system in…

I Just Shared the Most Powerful Income Tactic With My Sister December 28, 2015 I had a long conversation this past weekend with my sister, Katherine Schuber. The conversation was all about Katherine’s income and how she could grow it. I’ll show you why I’m […]

Finland Will Hand Out Free Cash To 2000 Jobless People In Universal Basic Income Experiment

Finland Will Hand Out Free Cash To 2000 Jobless People In Universal Basic Income Experiment

There’s been a lot of buzz this year about an old economic idea called universal basic income . It’s a guaranteed monthly check from the government for every citizen, no strings attached. Automation, gig jobs and the overall precariousness of work is driving interest in the idea, from Silicon Valley to the Netherlands. Finland launches a pilot program next month to test out the idea, but the country’s center right government is testing it as welfare reform, not as an anti-poverty tool.

Finland, population 5.5 million, is struggling with high unemployment, especially among the young. The jobless rate is more […]

The skills delusion

Everybody agrees that better education and improved skills, for as many people as possible, are crucial to increasing productivity and living standards, and to tackling rising inequality.

But what if everybody is wrong?

Most economists are certain that human capital is as important to productivity growth as physical capital.And to some degree, that is obviously true.Modern economies would not be possible without widespread literacy and numeracy: many emerging economies are held back by inadequate skills.But one striking feature of the modern economy is how few skilled people are needed to drive crucial areas of economic activity.Facebook has a market value of […]

Universal Basic Income: For Better And For Health

Universal Basic Income: For Better And For Health

Stress affects most people. In fact, young children get stressed too, even though the reason for why they feel that way is far simpler compared to adults. Typically, it’s just related to their play time being interrupted by something like the need to study, clean up, take a bath, eat or even sleep. For adults, it’s much more complex. Or is it really? When you think about it, the stress that most adults feel boils down to one thing: money. More specifically, the lack of it.

Generally, it’s the drive to meet basic needs like food, shelter and clothing that […]

Future of Manufacturing Production and Jobs

Future of Manufacturing Production and Jobs

(Photo: Provided by Ball State University) One benefit of the political debate about trade is that it led to an overdue discussion of manufacturing. But after more than a year of politicking, I’m afraid there’s still a great deal of confusion about the industry and its future. To help clear things up I’ll begin with a parlor trick. Pick the year you think manufacturing production peaked in the U.S. or Indiana. Some of you will say; 1928, 1945, 1975 and sometimes even 1999. The correct answer, of course, is 2015. Yes, inflation-adjusted manufacturing production peaked both in the U.S. […]

Southern rail dispute reflects workers’ growing fears about rise of automation

Southern rail dispute reflects workers’ growing fears about rise of automation

Trains with a guard become driver-only trains, which then become driverless trains. That’s the fear underlying Aslef’s dispute with Southern railways and accounts for the rearguard action to prevent further job losses across the rail industry.

It’s not the only reason for the dispute. There is also scorn for Southern’s management, which has attacked drivers’ basic terms and conditions, and there is anger at transport secretary Chris Grayling’s anti-union stance. But, at its heart, the dispute is over the status and even the very existence of the job of train driver, which has been around for nigh on 200 years.

Like […]

Automation Won’t Create New Jobs Like Technology Did In The Past

Automation Won't Create New Jobs Like Technology Did In The Past

(Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Westfield) “Increased productivity leads to more wealth, cheaper goods, greater spending power and ultimately, more jobs ,” said the Wall Street Journal in the latest entry in the counterpoint to articles declaring the end of work.

This essentially is the problem with calls to put aside worry about automation. They sit on an assumption that, somehow, something will come along to save the day, even though no one has the slightest idea of what it might be. Call it the Magical Job Savior, the inexorable and unstoppable unforeseen something that increases the number of jobs even as technology eliminates them but somehow enables the rescue.

Full Post at www.forbes.com