Dinamiche della disuguaglianza e della robotizzazione: Un'analisi longitudinale

The rising trend of the automation of production processes is feeding numerous concerns about the possibility that, in a not-so-distant future, a significant share of traditional jobs will be completely replaced by robots or Artificial Intelligence, thereby exacerbating inequalities. In this respect, the existing empirical literature failed to provide definitive and exhaustive answers on the impact of robotization on a variety of labor market indicators. The present contribution fits the ongoing debate by investigating the dynamics of robotization and wage disparities, both at the level of OECD economies and with a special focus on the Italian industries, over the period 1995-2007. Relying upon a specific measure of robotic capital intensity, the empirical analysis shows that a higher robotization of production processes is associated with a growing wage-gap, at the expense of unskilled workers. Additionally, the impact appears to be stronger where the institutional structure of the labor market is characterized by less strict regulations, with relevant implications for policymakers.