Post-2021 cohesion policy aims at smart specialisation and digital transformation. This generates new job profiles across sectors, creates opportunities for growth and global competition.
However, digitalisation of work will also impact at all levels: on workers, regions, social security and tax systems; it may reinforce inequalities and challenge territorial cohesion.
We will explore with you inclusive digital economic growth and discuss scenarios for shaping a sustainable, inclusive future of work which is focusing on cohesion and the diversity of European regions and cities.
The aim of the Participatory Lab is to discuss the prospects and challenges of digitalised labour focusing on regional growth and global competition. Synergies across regions, cities, sectors and specialisations will ensure EU-wide impact.
The target groups are policy-makers, including regional experts, private and public stakeholders, business professionals and academics which will discuss in the 3 table-sessions:
- 'Disruptive' or 'incremental' innovation: What's the nature of the digital economy and digitalised jobs?
Historical and geographical comparative perspectives of technological revolutions in the past and in regions of the world give insights into contemporary processes of digitalisation of labour. We will engage in a discussion of transformations that have restructured work and industries and will address how far digitalisation goes. Is it an incremental or disruptive process for regions and cities? Chaired by: http://www.technequality-project.eu/ .
- The individual at work: How sustainable are we when we are alone?
Work is an essential aspect of our lives: It shapes our livelihoods, our identities and contributes to cohesion. The digitalisation of work creates new opportunities for individuals, but also challenges and new inequalities. Participants will explore the consequences of digitalisation, especially platformisation, in relation to specific sectors and specialisation, age and gender. They will discuss new skills, youth and active ageing, but also new types of work contracts, unemployment and challenges that emerge for regions and welfare. How will digitalised jobs contribute to individuals' social security and professional development? How will workers’ resilience be strengthened in view of the rising digitalisation and competitiveness of global markets? Chaired by: https://project-plus.eu/the-project/ .
- Smarter Regions – smarter Growth?
Regions are an important locus for economic growth and prosperity. Their ecosystems and clusters form the backbone of Europe’s production and are a main job generator. The challenge for the post-2021 period is to formulate smart and inclusive regional strategies in such a way that European regions can continue to keep up with global competition but also can purposefully transform themselves in an age of digitalisation and platformisation, and remain attractive, healthy and engaging places to work, live and thrive for all. What do regional economies need in the decade(s) to come? Chaired by project: http://beyond4-0.eu/ .
Idea, concept and moderation: Kerstin Wilde
Pictures of our Participatory Lab are available here: https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=10PL448
Session Summary:
Europeans from North-West to South-Eastern Europe, from all sectors and age groups discussed on three stations the challenges, potential best practices and implications related to the future of digitalised and robotised jobs.
The Lab provided an open space, which promoted actively critical and inter-disciplinary thinking.
The scientists are eager to engage in societal debates in your regions and cities: They are present in almost all EU-member states. Integrate them in your communication activities.
The digitalisation and robotisation of workplaces is a process that needs to be actively discussed in and shaped by society: Participants concluded that more dialogue on this matter in all age groups, all sectors and across stakeholders shall take place.
Take away message:
To foster territorial and economic cohesion in view of global competition, challenges need to be addressed which focus on (a) individual aspects (work contracts, pension rights, health at work), (b) collective interests (social security system, tax system) and (c) regional demands (competitiveness, social inclusion, attractive regions to live in) – to name some few categories.
Statement from a guest: “I believe in comprehensive policy-making, in deliberation, in the best argument that is considered by everybody to be implemented. We should think ‘inclusive’.”
Here are links to pictures: https://www.flickr.com/photos/euregionsweek/albums/72157711272360181
https://www.facebook.com/kdw.youngdigitalmobility.3/media_set?set=a.101601064599893&type=3
