This study develops an original conceptualisation of the fear of automation and assesses its determinants, such as the role of technology in the workplace (whether complementary or substitutive), task routineness, workers' exposure to technology, and workers' positions in the labour market. Using survey data from six Central EU countries—Austria, Germany, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia—the study finds that exposure to technology increases the fear of automation, similar to task substitution. Younger individuals, those with less education, and those with lower incomes are more fearful, while gender shows no significant effect. In conclusion, the study discusses how fears of automation impact reskilling motivation in organisational practices.

The project leading to this webinar has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 101031139.

Any dissemination of the results of this event, reflect only the presenters' view. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

This event will be recorded.