OECD Study Finds Automation and Robotics Pose Lower Risk to Jobs

A recent report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) states that the number of jobs likely to be destroyed by automation and robotics is far less than previously expected. Back in 2013, an Oxford University study predicted that a notable 47% of jobs in the U.S. jobs and 35% of U.K. jobs were at risk of being automated, prompting a bevy of concerns across the workforce. However, the new OECD report states that only 10% of U.S. jobs and 12% of U.K. jobs run the risk of automation.

The disparity between studies lies in the OECD report’s differentiation between jobs with the same title, but different responsibilities. Despite having the same title, two workers may use very different skill sets to carry out their responsibilities, nullifying the ability to ubiquitously determine whether a job with that title will be automated or not.

The OECD report says that the 10% of U.S. jobs that may find themselves in jeopardy are entry-level and low-skilled positions. Jobs that require more skill and training are less likely to be eliminated by automation, making it clear that increased training, development, and education opportunities are crucial to competitiveness in the workforce.

To view the full OECD report, click here:
https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/employment/automation-skills-use-and-training_2e2f4eea-en

To view the 2013 Oxford University study, click here: https://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/downloads/academic/The_Future_of_Employment.pdf