Throughout time, technological developments have led to old jobs changing or disappearing, while new ones have sprung up as general levels of productivity and growth have increased. However, the pace of change has never been as fast as it is today. New innovations and technologies are becoming increasingly sophisticated and have huge potential to change our working lives and societies. New technology, digitalisation, automation and robotisation will affect both the public and private sectors, from services and retail to industry, at every skill and educational level. These developments are spurred on by globalisation, the fourth industrial revolution and the need for transition given that we are in the middle of a climate crisis.
The Nordic trade union movement takes a constructive approach to new technology, digitalisation and what they can bring. New technologies have enabled better working environments, higher wages and more welfare. Based on our experiences of previous transformation and transition processes however, we take the view that the Nordic Model holds the key and is absolutely necessary in order to ensure that digitalisation is a success for society as a whole.
We believe that workers must be part of developments and that profits made from new technology must be shared out fairly and equitably. Our societies must invest in education and skills development. Finally, we believe that Nordic governments should focus on inclusion, tripartite cooperation and social dialogue in any discussions on our current and future working lives, even outside our region. Nordic experiences all speak for this.