Seminar in International Economics: Who’s afraid of automation? Examining determinants of fear of automation in six European countries

The Competence Centre for International Economics Research (FIW) kindly invites to participate in the Seminar in International Economics on the topic

Who’s afraid of automation? Examining determinants of fear of automation in six European countries

Speakers: Prof. Katarzyna Śledziewska (University of Warsaw), Prof. Renata Włoch (University of Warsaw)
Discussant: Nuriye Melisa Bilgin, Phd (University of Turin)

Venue: Webinar via Zoom – Please register here

Abstract

This study develops an original conceptualization of the fear of automation and assesses its determinants, such as the role of technology in the workplace (complementary or substitutive), task routineness, workers’ exposure to technology, and workers’ positions in the labor market. Using survey data from six Central EU countries—Austria, Germany, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia—we found that exposure to technology increases the fear of automation, similar to task substitution. Youth, less educated, and lower-income individuals are more fearful, while gender shows no significant effect. In conclusion, we discuss how automation fears impact reskilling motivation in organizational practices.

Any dissemination of the results of this event, reflect only the presenters’ view. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

This event will be recorded.

The seminar series is organised by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw) in co-operation with FIW and the European University Institute. The seminar provides a forum for presentation and discussion of recent academic research in the field of international economics.