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Even before the pandemic, businesses worldwide were increasingly adopting automation as a solution to the growing skill shortages impacting numerous industries. The outbreak of COVID-19 expedited digital transformation, and in many instances, the adoption of automation became crucial for organizations grappling with remote workforces and safety concerns. The ongoing debate about automation often revolves around whether it displaces workers whose roles can be easily automated or if it opens opportunities for employees to upgrade their skills, collaborate with machines, and engage in more meaningful work.
[Image description: A man working in a robotics lab at the Autodesk San Francisco Technology Center.]
Autodesk recently launched a global research initiative exploring the future of work. This summer, they will release several research reports examining the state of automation, skills development, and the evolving nature of work across various industries and regions. The inaugural report, "The Future of Work is Now: Is APAC Ready?" is now available.
To access the full report, click here.
Autodesk has long believed that automation brings opportunities, but only if workers are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in this new era. This involves creating new credentialing and certification programs, fostering partnerships between public and private sectors to prioritize workforce development, and much more.
In terms of preparedness in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, which houses 60% of the global workforce and some of the world's largest emerging economies, the Autodesk Foundation collaborated with Deloitte to identify the labor markets most susceptible to technological disruption. Their aim was to propose solutions to ensure workforces can prosper as automation becomes a reality.
It’s undeniable that automation will bring about disruption. However, the readiness of countries and industries will dictate whether they reap the benefits. While digitization and automation will impact all workers to some degree, certain industries and countries are better positioned than others. According to the report, construction is likely to be the hardest-hit industry due to its abundance of repetitive, manual tasks. Mining, manufacturing, and transportation in APAC face similar challenges.
[Image description: An infographic from the Deloitte report highlighting the top three industries most at risk of automation.]
In regional terms, preparedness is measured by proactive steps taken to embrace automation while minimizing disruption, such as enhancing digital literacy, supporting disadvantaged workers, and building the right infrastructure and skill sets to facilitate transitions into new roles. Generally, APAC’s preparedness aligns with economic development, meaning less developed nations are both the most impacted and the least ready. Countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan are at high risk and underprepared, whereas Singapore, Australia, Japan, and South Korea are better poised to capitalize on automation's opportunities.
No country is immune to the changes brought by automation, and all can take small yet significant steps to assist workers at risk. There is always room for improvement, and even the smallest actions can make a difference.
[Image description: A man working with CNC machinery at the Autodesk San Francisco Technology Center.]
To mitigate the risks of automation, the report suggests several proactive measures:
1. **Raise Awareness**: Shift the narrative away from job losses toward the potential for higher-value, more engaging activities facilitated by automation.
2. **Fund Industry-Specific Programs**: Provide financial assistance to smaller businesses to help them adopt and integrate digital technologies faster.
3. **Invest in Learning Programs**: Develop initiatives to support disadvantaged workers, encouraging continuous reskilling and upskilling to keep pace with rapid change.
The study covered 12 APAC countries, including Thailand, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia. Despite the region's diversity, the report concludes that automation presents opportunities if the right support systems are established and the focus remains on aiding workers' success.
In 2019, the Autodesk Foundation partnered with Monitor Institute by Deloitte to investigate the future of work in the United States. Explore four ways to bridge the skills gap here.
As automation continues to reshape industries globally, understanding its implications and preparing accordingly is key to ensuring a resilient and thriving workforce.