Preferred policy responses to technological change: Survey evidence from OECD countries

Abstract

How do the labor market risks associated with technological change affect policy preferences? We argue that higher perceptions of technology-related risks should increase support for compensation and decrease support for social investment. We expect the opposite effect for individuals who use technology constantly at work, have a university degree and earn higher incomes. However, as the perception of technology-related employment risks in the latter group of individuals increases, so does their preference for compensatory and protective policy solutions to technological change. Our expectations are confirmed by novel data from a survey of 24 diverse Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries that includes specifically designed questions on technology-related risks and policy preferences. The results suggest that technology-related risks not only correlate with certain demographic and occupational characteristics, but also cross-cut them. Thus, technology-related risks might not only become a source of new cleavages between the losers and winners of technological change, but also the basis for new cross-class coalitions.

Can welfare states buffer technostress? Income and technostress in the context of various OECD countries

“…Our results that higher earners experience less technostress are counterintuitive, considering previous research stating that highly educated workers with higher job-positions experience more technostress [ 15 – 17 ]. At the same time, it is in line with previous research stating that highly educated individuals experience less technostress [ 30 ], e.g. due to effective coping mechanisms [ 21 ].…”

“…We highlight that technostress is an intriguing factor in the investigation of inequalities in health determinants between different welfare systems. In doing so, we build on earlier research on technology-related anxiety [ 33 ] and risk perceptions associated with technological change [ 30 – 32 ], now with a clear focus on technostress as a health indicator. Our study indicates that more generous welfare states, in particular labour market policies, can dampen subjective perceptions of technostress, providing an additional resource that helps individuals to cope with stress.…”

Variations in Social Europe? National political parties' positions on EU‐level social regulations

“…On the other hand, if economic vulnerability entails worse economic precarity for citizens, there may be greater citizenry demand for Social Europe. From a risk insurance perspective which argues that citizens prefer policies and regulations that diminish their economic risk (e.g., Busemeyer et al, 2023; Rehm, 2009), citizens may support Social Europe if they consider it to be an insurance against economic precarity. If national parties respond to this demand, they may support Social Europe more.…”

Current Challenges Affecting the Development of Human Resources in Slovakia

“…Regardless of whether beliefs are based on unbiased and sound evidence, how people feel about technology is likely to determine the extent to which they are willing to embrace it. Feelings will also affect their readiness to prepare for the future of work, including their CVET preferences and participation (Busemeyer et al, 2022).…”