New technology and industrial change; Impact of the scientific technical revolution on labour and industry
- London Kogan Page 1983
- 224p.
The introduction of new technology has created growing industrial and political conflict. We are living through the scientific-technical revolution-or STR for short. Not only are we consuming its products, but also the way we live and behave is being shaped by it. New Technology and Industrial Change examines the complex issues relating to the STR and its effect on the pattern and level of employment. The book's main focus is on the UK, but other countries, both more advanced and less developed, are also considered. The debate on the implications of the STR is examined in depth. Optimists maintain that immense productivity gains, resulting from the widespread adoption of automated equipment, will create more spending power for an increased range of services and products. This, in turn, will create new kinds of jobs. However, pessimists believe that automated equipment in clerical, manufacturing and service sectors will be unevenly adopted in the advanced economies. The consequent displacement of labour will not be compensated for by a growth in demand for other services and products. The authors analyse the importance of new technology, the industries related to it (in particular the electronic industry which created it), the role of government in assisting its spread and the position of the unions in adapting to it.