The labor market in the context of digital transformation: shifts in occupational structure and challenges of social adaptation

Abstract

There have been numerous changes in both the economy and society as a result of developments in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). These changes form part of a broader movement towards digital transformation across all aspects of life. As a result of Digital Transformation, the labour market is experiencing strong pressures to change its structure and functions through the creation of new types of jobs, the elimination of many "traditional" jobs (mainly those with routine tasks, requiring physical input and/or skillsets that do not change), and by virtue of creating a workforce which requires significant amounts of digital and cognitive skills, (i.e. knowledge workers). With the advent of Digital Transformation there have also been new types of working models and, subsequently, new types of employment relationships between employees and employers that have created significant new ethical, legal, and sociological issues for countries in varying stages and structures of development.