Policy Solutions to Technological Unemployment

Abstract

This chapter explores possible policy interventions to mitigate the effects of anticipated technological unemployment, and considers both the benefits and downsides of potential policy responses. It will focus on the viability of policies intended to delay or block technological innovation, on governmental job creation and stimulus policies, technology innovation polices, tax policy innovations, employment impact statements and disclosure policies, and longer term changes in how we value and reward social contributions. None of these proposed policies offers a “magic bullet” solution to the problem of technological unemployment, but portfolios of several of these policies may be effective in diminishing the impacts of technological unemployment.