Digitalization and the Future of Work in the Chemical Industry in Germany

An important contribution to the growing knowledge base on technological change and digital transitions and the ways in which constituents can shape a future that works for all in the industry.

The digitalization of societies, economies and sectors promises to bring dividends, spur innovation, generate efficiencies and improve the quality of services as well as people’s standards of living. The digital transformation is contributing to innovation not only in production, products and services, but also in processes, working life and organizational arrangements. Digitalization is often disruptive, however. It raises a number of important policy challenges for governments, employers and workers everywhere, in areas such as privacy, security, consumer protection, competition, taxation, job creation and destruction, skills development, working conditions, social protection and the protection of workers’ rights. It also brings the risk of worsening inequalities and the digital divide within and across countries. Prior to the adoption of the Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work (2019), in December 2018 the ILO organized the Global Dialogue Forum on Challenges for Decent and Productive Work Arising from Digitalization in the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries. This report is a part of the follow ups to this Forum.