Minnesota DEED Automation Study
Summary
SHRM research analyzed job automation risk using worker-reported data, finding that 19.2 million U.S. jobs are at high or very high risk of automation. Risk varies significantly by occupation and industry.
Review
The Minnesota DEED Automation Study presents a novel approach to assessing job automation risk by leveraging worker-reported data from O*NET and employment statistics. By developing a nuanced methodology that goes beyond simple job displacement predictions, the research provides a sophisticated view of how technology might transform the workforce. The study's key contribution is its granular analysis, showing that automation risk is not uniform but depends on specific job characteristics, with routine and repetitive tasks being most vulnerable. The research highlights critical insights for workforce planning and economic policy, demonstrating that while 12.6% of jobs face high automation risk, the impact varies dramatically across sectors. Blue-collar, service, and administrative support roles are most at risk, while jobs requiring creativity, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills remain relatively protected. The study's approach is particularly valuable because it emphasizes potential job transformation rather than wholesale replacement, suggesting that reskilling and adaptive workforce strategies will be crucial in managing technological disruption.
Key Points
- 12.6% of U.S. jobs (19.2 million) face high or very high automation risk
- Automation risk varies significantly by occupation and industry
- Routine and repetitive jobs are most vulnerable to technological replacement