The World Development Report (WDR) 2019: The Changing Nature of Work analyzes how the nature of work is changing as a result of advances in technology. Fears that robots will take jobs have dominated the discussion on the future of work, but the Report finds that on balance this appears to be unsubstantiated. Work is constantly reshaped by technological progress. Firms adopt new ways of production, markets expand, and societies evolve. Overall, technology brings opportunity, creating new jobs, increasing productivity, and delivering effective public services.

The Report analyzes these changes and considers how governments can best respond. Investing in human capital must be a priority for governments in order for workers to build the skills in demand in the labor market. In addition, governments need to enhance social protection and extend it to all people in society, irrespective of the terms on which they work. To fund these investments in human capital and social protection, the Report offers some suggestions as to how governments can mobilize additional revenues by increasing the tax base.

At this seminar, WDR 2019 Co-Director Federica Saliola will share the main findings of the report. English and Japanese simultaneous interpretation will be provided.