Institute for the History and Future of Work

Researching the history and shaping the future of work is the concern of our institute. The development of technology, science and communication as well as economic and political power relations has shaped human work 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.

The organization is the „Stiftung Institut für die Geschichte und Zukunft der Arbeit.“ The foundation operates exclusively on a non-profit basis, funding its own research with its own resources, but also supporting scholarships and guest stays for scientists at the institute. Dr. Horst Neumann is the founder of the foundation. The economist with a doctorate was deputy head of the IG Metall economic department and works director at Rasselstein, Thyssen Krupp Elevator and Audi before, from 2005 to 2015, he was responsible for the personnel, organization and IT departments at the Volkswagen Group.