Automation, inequalities and the future of work

About this episode

This episode discusses the impact of automation and digitisation on work and livelihoods in developing countries, emphasizing the need for empirical research and cross-disciplinary partnerships.

Automation and digitisation are set to impact on many areas of work and livelihoods in developing countries and there is an urgent need for robust empirical work to address this issue. Participants at the 2017 Digital Development Summit, convened by IDS, called for research institutions to create cross-cutting partnerships across disciplines, geographies and sectors both to develop research and to play a brokering role in relation to solutions. This seminar will be a space to discuss key issues and debates and explore the role IDS researchers might play in developing this research agenda.

Topics covered

• automation
• inequalities
• future of work
• digitisation
• research partnerships

Keywords

• automation
• digitisation
• work
• livelihoods
• developing countries
• research
• partnerships

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Institute of Development Studies

More episodes of IDS Live

• In conversation with the Hon. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka · May 28, 2026 · 53 min
• What is the future of ‘development studies? · May 26, 2026 · 1h 2m
• Building disability inclusive futures · April 23, 2026 · 51 min
• Sink or swim: how the world needs to adapt to a changing climate · April 22, 2026 · 1h 24m
• Power and just transitions – Struggles for a post coal future in an Appalachian Valley · April 8, 2026 · 42 min
• Book Launch: The Struggle for Development · November 15, 2017 · 1h 11m