Predictions about the impact of autonomous technologies on the workplace have been as varied as they have been numerous. What we all agree on, however, is that there will be some kind of impact. The latest study to offer up a prediction comes from the University of Kansas and explores the impact automation might have on the public sector. The study looks not only at the traditional aspects of the automation of work but also whether the introduction of new technologies might influence the equity of service provision.
The authors make a debatable start by arguing that many of the investments in automated technology are driven by efficiency concerns, which is a proxy for layoffs and reduced headcount, and while this is fine and dandy in the private sector, the public sector has more noble ends and must also aim for both the fair and equitable delivery of vital services to the public and the creation of an equal opportunity workforce.