The Productivity Commission is calling for submissions for its study of the impact of technical change on the future of work.

As part of its inquiry, the Productivity Commission has today published an issues paper, presenting four scenarios for considering the future impacts of technological change, which will be used to test the likely effectiveness of different policies.

Under the first scenario, technology adoption would accelerate in a way that creates at least as many jobs as it destroys. The second scenario shows the overall effect of accelerated technology adoption replaces labour. The third scenario shows slower technology adoption, leading to less job churn and less change in the nature of work.

Another option is the impact on jobs of technology adoption continues at a pace similar to the last two decades.

The commission will also explore how the government can better position New Zealand and New Zealanders to take advantage of innovation and technological change in terms of productivity, labour-market participation and the nature of work.

In its issues paper, the Commission noted it is conscious it is very difficult to predict how technology will develop, even in the short-term, and believes that it would not be useful to predict a single future and offer corresponding policy advice, which is why the four scenarios were developed.

The Commission will also examine policies designed to address concerns about the availability and nature of work, and other policies that better position New Zealand to take advantage of innovation and technological change.

The Commission is currently calling on submissions for the issues paper so it can provide relevant and credible policy recommendations in its report to the government.

Submissions are due by Wednesday 5 June.

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