The threat of “technological unemployment”, which Keynes raised for the first time in 1930, is resurfacing today and is still just as worrying, especially in view of the particularly high level of unemployment, not only in the European Union's Member States, but also in OECD countries.
On this issue, opinions differ. Some believe that a large number of jobs are likely to be replaced; others suggest that existing professions will adapt, that new, complementary jobs will appear and that, for each job created, five new complementary jobs could come into being.
That is why the EESC is calling for more information and analysis, but also for action, stressing that “the challenge is to encourage innovation and creativity and deliver positive outcomes for a sustainable and competitive social market economy".
Speech of the EESC president at the conference: "The future of work"
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