2017年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_Impact_of_digitalisation_and_the_on_76页_2mb

Summary of the Impact of Digitalisation and the On-Demand Economy on Labour Markets and Industrial Relations

Core Content

This study examines the effects of digitalisation and the on-demand economy on employment and industrial relations in the European Union (EU) and beyond. It focuses on both traditional businesses and new digital platforms, analysing how these changes affect job creation, destruction, and the organisation of work. The study also evaluates government responses and the challenges faced by employers in adapting to these transformations.

Main Views

• Digitalisation and the on-demand economy are reshaping the labour market by introducing new forms of work and redefining traditional employment structures.
• Automation is a key driver of these changes, affecting both routine and non-routine tasks, and is likely to lead to labour market polarisation.
• Opportunities and threats coexist: while digitalisation offers productivity gains and new job creation, it also poses risks to certain job categories, particularly those involving low- and medium-skilled workers.
• Employers are central to this discussion, as they are the ones implementing new technologies and managing the associated changes in work organisation and industrial relations.
• Uncertainty remains regarding the overall impact of digitalisation on employment, as estimates vary widely depending on methodology and region.
• The on-demand economy is still underdeveloped in Europe, but has the potential to create new jobs, especially in service sectors, through reduced transaction costs.
• Industrial relations are evolving due to the rise of digital platforms, with collective bargaining and worker representation becoming more complex.

Key Information

Digitalisation and Employment

• Digital technologies such as AI, IoT, robotics, and cloud computing are transforming jobs, requiring new skills and potentially replacing existing roles.
• Job creation and destruction are not new phenomena, but the digital revolution may have more significant and complex consequences.
• Automation potential varies by country and sector. For example, in the US, 47% of jobs are at risk; in the UK, 35%; in Finland, 36%; and in many developing countries, the risk is even higher.
• Productivity gains and new job creation are possible, but the study highlights that these are not yet fully accounted for in current analyses.
• Low-skilled workers are more vulnerable to automation, while high-skilled workers with digital and creative skills are in higher demand.

On-Demand Economy

• The on-demand economy includes platforms like Airbnb, BlaBlaCar, and Uber, and is characterised by flexible, task-based work.
• It is not yet fully captured in official statistics, and research has relied on surveys and case studies to understand its size and impact.
• While the on-demand economy may not yet have a major effect on the offline labour market, it has disrupted sectors such as taxi services.
• Labour conditions and worker status (self-employed vs. employees) are still unclear, and collective bargaining is largely absent in this sector.

Impact on Enterprises

• Digitalisation has a strong impact on both manufacturing and service industries, altering how businesses interact with customers and employees.
• Key factors for successful adaptation include data collection, value chain interconnection, digital customer interfaces, and cybersecurity.
• Platformisation and asset dematerialisation are reducing costs and improving collaboration.
• Flexibility is a major feature of digital work, but it can also lead to uncertainty in worker income and work-life balance issues.
• Existing regulations may hinder the full benefits of flexibility, particularly in areas such as working time and collective agreements.

Labour Relations

• Digitalisation is changing the nature of employment and the relationship between employers and employees.
• New forms of work such as remote and on-demand work are becoming more common, but industrial relations remain a challenge.
• Negotiations and worker consultation are important to ensure a smooth transition to digital work.
• The on-demand economy raises questions about worker classification, social security, and taxation.
• Collective bargaining is largely absent in the on-demand sector, but initiatives for worker representation are emerging.

Government Responses

• Policy and legislation are being developed to address the side effects of digitalisation and the on-demand economy, such as job losses and worker status.
• Some member states have taken a proactive approach, such as Estonia, while others focus on traditional labour issues.
• Taxation and social security are key areas of government intervention, with Airbnb being a notable example of local regulation.
• Legislative adaptation is necessary to ensure that workers are protected and that flexibility is balanced with security and rights.

Conclusion

The digitalisation of the economy and the rise of the on-demand economy are transforming employment and industrial relations. While the potential for job creation and productivity gains exists, the threats to certain job categories and the uncertainty in regulation and worker status remain significant challenges. The study underscores the need for proactive government policies and employer-led adaptation to fully harness the benefits of digitalisation while protecting workers' rights and ensuring a balanced and sustainable labour market.