NEWS
UNTANGLED researchers shared the project’s findings on the adoption of organisational and digital innovations in companies from the manufacturing and services sectors at the ESSI webinar.
Ursula Holtgrewe (ZSI) discussed two case studies conducted within Project UNTANGLED that looked into how the introduction of innovative solutions impacts workers. An electronics manufacturer introduced an aspirational model of self-governance, whereas a testing, inspection and certification company implemented a top-down digitalisation initiative. In both cases, changes were ambiguous: worker participation did not include all groups of workers and came with some work intensification, and digitalisation led to some job losses and an enhanced work-life balance. In neither case, unions had a part in implementing the changes. Holtgrewe highlighted the need for further research on technology’s impact on the workplace that pays attention to the broader context of markets, management, and historical factors.
The webinar “Harnessing the Benefits of AI, Industry 5.0, and Other Digital Innovations – More Opportunities but Also More Challenges for Social Innovations?” was organised by the European School of Social Innovation (ESSI) and chaired by Antonius Schröder (TU Dortmund University). It took place on 19 October, with around 20 researchers and representatives of social partners taking part.
Ursula Holtgrewe presentation is available here.
