EC Library Guide on artificial intelligence and the future of work: Selected publications
Selected EU publications
- Adopt AI study – Final study report
European Commission, Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (CNECT), 2024.
A study commissioned by the European Commission highlights the significant potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve public sector services across the EU. The report emphasizes that AI can enhance citizen-government interactions, boost analytical capabilities, and increase efficiency in key areas such as healthcare, mobility, e-Government, and education. These sectors are identified as among the most ready for large-scale AI deployment, with applications ranging from autonomous vehicles and smart traffic systems to AI-driven healthcare solutions and education technologies.
However, the study also outlines several challenges hindering AI uptake in the public sector. These include complex public procurement processes, difficulties in data management, a lack of regulatory clarity, and concerns about bias in AI decision-making. In response, the report provides a series of policy recommendations aimed at accelerating AI adoption. These include increasing funding and resources for AI in public services, ensuring transparency and accountability in AI systems, promoting cross-border data sharing, and aligning industry and public sector expectations. The European Commission is advised to create a clear regulatory framework for AI, prioritise long-term implementation, and foster human-centric, trustworthy AI solutions. By addressing these challenges, the EU aims to position itself as a global leader in the development of trustworthy and sustainable AI technologies for the public sector.
- Advanced technologies for industry: Policy brief: Collaborative robots, human-AI systems and the role for policy
Shauchuk, P. and Izsak, K., European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency, Publications Office of the European Union, 2021.
The reports provide a comparative analysis and bring examples of relevant national and regional policy measures in the EU. This report focuses on analysing the consequences of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics-based automation on industry and work, the related human-machine systems and human-computer interaction, and the need for policy to support a positive transition and mitigate the potential risks.
This Policy Brief has been developed in the framework of the Advanced Technologies for Industry (ATI) project, initiated by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW), and the European Innovation Council and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Executive Agency (EISMEA). Policy Briefs analyse national and regional policy measures focused on a specific challenge, technological area or mode of implementation, and they explore policy tools designed and implemented with the aim of fostering the generation and uptake of advanced technologies.
- AI and digital tools in workplace management and evaluation an assessment of the EU’s legal framework
De Stefano, V. and Wouters, M., European Parliamentary Think Tank, 2022.
This study focuses on options for regulating the use of AI enabled and algorithmic management systems in the world of work under EU law. It describes how these technologies are already being deployed, particularly in recruitment, staff appraisal, task distribution and disciplinary procedures.
- Digital automation and the future of work
Spencer, D., Cole, M., Joyce, S., et al., European Parliament Think Tank, 2021.
This report addresses the nature, scope and possible effects of digital automation. It reviews relevant literature and situates modern debates on technological change in historical context. It also offers some policy options that, if implemented, would help to harness technology for positive economic and social ends.
The report recognises that technological change can affect not just the volume of work but also its quality. It identifies threats to job quality and an unequal distribution of the risks and benefits associated with digital automation. In response, it recommends a number of policy options – ones that aim to go beyond the provision of skills and training and which seek a human-centred approach to digital transformations of work based on industrial democracy and social partnership. Overall, the report pushes for a new Digital Social Contract and a future of work that works for all.
- Ethical digitalisation at work: From theory to practice
Eurofound, Riso, S., Adăscăliței, D., et al., Publications Office of the European Union, 2023.
Automation and digitisation technologies, including artificial intelligence, are rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly powerful and pervasive. The full range of their effects in the workplace is yet to be seen. It is, however, important not only to explore the ethical implications of digital technologies and the effects of such technologies on working conditions as they emerge, but also to anticipate any unintended effects that raise new ethical challenges. Using a variety of research methods and building on previous research on the digital workplace, this report examines the many ramifications of digital technologies in the workplace, looking at the fundamental rights and ethical principles most at stake and the areas of working conditions most likely to be affected.
- Ethics in the digital workplace: Anticipating and managing the impact of change
Riso, S., Adăscăliței, D., López Forés, L., et al., Publications Office of the European Union, 2022.
Digitisation and automation technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), can affect working conditions in a variety of ways and their use in the workplace raises a host of new ethical concerns. Recently, the policy debate surrounding these concerns has become more prominent and has increasingly focused on AI. This report maps relevant European and national policy and regulatory initiatives.
The report explores the positions and views of social partners in the policy debate on the implications of technological change for work and employment. It also reviews a growing body of research on the topic showing that ethical implications go well beyond legal and compliance questions, extending to issues relating to quality of work. The report aims to provide a good understanding of the ethical implications of digitisation and automation, which is grounded in evidence-based research.
- Going digital means skilling for digital: Using big data to track emerging digital skill needs
Cedefop, Publications Office of the European Union, 2023.
As the European Union navigates an era of rapid digital transfor-mation, the demand for digital skills has never been higher, and it will keep growing in the next decade. This policy brief sheds new light on the evolving landscape of digital skill requirements in the EU-27, using Cedefop analysis of online job advertisements. The evidence in this policy brief showcases the pivotal role of digital skills in economic development and global competitiveness. It also points towards the need to accelerate the implementation of digital policy and strategy. Upand reskilling the workforce, investing in the skills of teachers and trainers and modernising education and training systems will help ensure the digital revolution will benefit all citizens.
- A guide to artificial intelligence at the workplace: Your rights on algorithms - report
Salis Madinier, F., European Economic and Social Committee, 2021.
We have experienced the digital revolution with the presence of computers, the internet and smartphones, today it is necessary to understand and train in the universe and the uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) because this evolution technology is everywhere, invisible, fast, diverse and disruptive for the economic models of companies and trades. The question is no longer to be for or against AI, the question is whether companies are capable of co-constructing with social partners strategies integrating AI as a factor of innovation for customers and a factor job enrichment for employees.
This work is both a barometer and a compass. It makes it possible to map international developments concerning uses but also ethics in the field of AI. It provides a very comprehensive overview of the subject by integrating the different societal, political, cultural, economic and social dimensions. It also draws up concrete proposals so that each employee, consumer, buyer or citizen can be protected in terms of their data and their individual and collective freedoms. Integrating numerous examples, testimonies and analyses, it will allow the reader to have an illustrative and actionable vision of the use and challenges of AI in the post-covid world. He explains why it is necessary for humans to retain decision-making power in the face of AI, both at the individual and organizational level.
- Industry 5.0 and the future of work: Making Europe the centre of gravity for future good-quality jobs
European Commission - Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Dixson-Declève, S., Dunlop, et al., Publications Office of the European Union, 2023.
The reports provide a comparative analysis and bring examples of relevant national and regional policy measures in the EU. This report focuses on analysing the consequences of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics-based automation on industry and work, the related human-machine systems and human-computer interaction, and the need for policy to support a positive transition and mitigate the potential risks.
This Policy Brief has been developed in the framework of the Advanced Technologies for Industry (ATI) project, initiated by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW), and the European Innovation Council and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Executive Agency (EISMEA). Policy Briefs analyse national and regional policy measures focused on a specific challenge, technological area or mode of implementation, and they explore policy tools designed and implemented with the aim of fostering the generation and uptake of advanced technologies.
- New technologies and jobs in Europe
Albanesi, S., Dias da Silva, A., Jimeno, J., et al., European Central Bank, 2023.
The article examines the link between labour market developments and new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and software in 16 European countries over the period 2011- 2019. Using data for occupations at the 3-digit level in Europe, we find that on average employment shares have increased in occupations more exposed to AI. This is particularly the case for occupations with a relatively higher proportion of younger and skilled workers. This evidence is in line with the Skill Biased Technological Change theory.
While there exists heterogeneity across countries, only very few countries show a decline in employment shares of occupations more exposed to AI-enabled automation. Country heterogeneity for this result seems to be linked to the pace of technology diffusion and education, but also to the level of product market regulation (competition) and employment protection laws. In contrast to the findings for employment, we find little evidence for a relationship between wages and potential exposures to new technologies.
- Last Updated: Sep 26, 2024 9:20 AM
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