Institute for the History and Future of Labour

Researching the history and shaping the future of labour is the concern of our institute. The development of technology, science and communication as well as economic and political power relations has shaped human labour and its social significance. Understanding this development and using the knowledge gained to shape future working environments is at the centre of the Institute's work.

The dawning digital age in particular brings with it new challenges, but also new opportunities for work. Jobs in all sectors of the economy will be subject to change. This brings with it many different problems and fears, but also enormous organisational opportunities: heavy and stressful tasks in production can be automated and repetitive, monotonous work can be transferred to robots. Artificial intelligence is revolutionising knowledge work. New potential for employee participation and interesting and meaningful activities are emerging. In this transformation process, the Institute aims to provide impetus for the design of good work in the digital world of work.

The same applies to the future organisation of the welfare state. Here, too, innovations are needed in order to maintain social security systems in an increasingly complex world of work. The Institute will contribute to the discussion on reform impulses for a new normal employment relationship and the „welfare state 4.0“ with its own contributions.

It is funded by the „Foundation Institute for the History and Future of Labour“. The foundation operates exclusively on a non-profit basis and uses its funds to finance its own research, but also supports scholarships and guest stays by academics at the institute's headquarters in Berlin and at Lake Constance. The founder of the foundation is Dr Horst Neumann. He holds a doctorate in economics and was deputy head of the IG Metall economics department and labour director at Rasselstein, Thyssen Krupp Elevator and Audi before becoming Volkswagen Group Board Member for Human Resources, Organisation and IT from 2005-2015.