Ulf Rinne

Digitalisierung und Arbeitsmarkt: Aktuelle Entwicklungen und sozialpolitische Herausforderungen

Abstract This article focuses on the progressive digitisation of work and its consequences for employment and social protection. The first section discusses potential dimensions of change due to technological innovation while the second part provides a preliminary assessment of the evidence that is currently available as regards occupational change and labour market polarization both with respect to total employment and the role of non-standard types of employment by occupations. Furthermore, the articles summarises what we currently know about the scope of work organized via online platforms. The subsequent section discusses potential consequences for social protection in the digital age. Particular attention is given to the eventual growth of selfemployment or freelance work using platforms as intermediaries. To the extent that work is organised more and more outside dependent employment, making the coverage of social insurance more universal, irrespective of the formal type of employment, is likely to become a crucial issue.

How Big is the Gig? Assessing the Preliminary Evidence on the Effects of Digitalization on the Labor Market

This paper assesses the importance of digitalization in Germany and other developed countries with a particular attention to the potential or actual impact it may have on the labor market. Referring to available empirical evidence, we document the already developing transformation of occupations and forms of employment and the role of the platform economy, including the phenomenon of solo self-employment. We then derive current and future challenges for social protection and suggest some ideas to update social insurance in the face of these new challenges.

Promoting Youth Employment in Europe: Evidence-based Policy Lessons

Youth unemployment has become a severe economic and societal problem in many European countries. Based on the existing empirical evidence on different policy options, this chapter draws lessons for future policymaking in order to effectively promote youth employment in Europe. In conclusion, one should not be overly optimistic by expecting any short-term remedies. Although effective policy tools are available, they largely require forward-looking structural reforms.