In Conversation with (February 2022) - Dr Carl Benedikt Frey, Director, Future of Work, Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford (Automation)

Episode notes

In the second episode of our ‘In Conversation with…’ podcast series for 2022, Lucy speaks to Dr Carl Benedikt Frey, Director, Future of Work, Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford. In this episode, Carl revisits the landmark study he co-authored in 2013 “The future of employment: how susceptible are jobs to computerisation” and discusses their conclusions - that 47% of jobs in the US, and 40% of jobs in Europe, would be vulnerable to technological displacement in the next 20 years. As well as exploring the types of work that are at risk of being easily automated, Carl also identifies three areas of work that aren’t readily susceptible to technological displacement. Carl explores the impact of current labour shortages on driving automation and the importance of focussing on skills to allow people to better transition into new jobs and industries. Finally Carl shares his thoughts on the importance of our physical in-person networks and communities for innovation, and the crucial role communication has to play in overcoming automation fears in the workplace.