Social compensation, retraining, shorter working hours? : citizen’s social policy priorities for the age of automation

Robotization, automation and digitalization are transforming labor markets around the globe – more than ever now that a pandemic has shown that our economy is fragile and dependent on specific, often unrecognized jobs. What do citizens expect from their governments in response? Our study of 24 OECD countries shows deep concerns about tech-related job risks. But technological change also raises many positive expectations. Education and training measures for those affected by tech-related change are greeted with widespread approval. Disadvantaged workers, however, would prefer short-term compensations for the potential loss of their jobs. Governments are advised to strike a balance between making social investments in the digital knowledge economy and awarding social transfers.