Research

In order to shape the opportunities and challenges of the future of work, it is not enough to look ahead. We must also look at and understand the history of work. In seven fields of research, we shed light on key developments in the world of work - historically and with a view to future developments.

Matrix of work

Labour is an essential dimension of human history. A basic understanding of the temporal structure of history and the most important dimensions to which labour is linked (technology, science, power, energy, everyday life, etc.) is the basis for the work of the IGZA. The Matrix of Labour depicts the transformation of the world of work from early history to the future and aims to stimulate further questions and research.

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2070

The aim of the project is to develop a long-term perspective on the development of prosperity in Germany and Europe over the next 50 years. Demographic changes, the socio-ecological transformation and increasing digitalisation will have a major impact on the development of the labour market and living standards. Against the backdrop of these 'macro trends', how can employment and living standards be shaped in the long term?

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Automation

On the one hand, there is a lot of guesswork in the scientific community about future productivity potential. On the other hand, digitalisation is clearly opening up new possibilities for the automation of activities that previously seemed inaccessible to automation. An assessment of future productivity potential could be derived from knowledge of the degree of automation of today's manufacturing processes and their future automation potential. The empirical basis for this is to be developed. The project aims to make a contribution to this.

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Data manual

One aim of the matrix materials is to offer a high-quality, interdisciplinary statistical tool for further analyses and discussions. The data handbook contains the central tables and illustrations on topics such as population, labour force, production, productivity, working hours, unemployment, distribution, consumption and the environment, which are constantly updated, expanded and further developed.

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