The World Bank’s 2019 World Development Report studies how the nature of work is changing as a result of advances in technology today. It argues that in light of the disruption from technological change, a new social contract is needed to smooth the transition and guard against rising inequality. As a first priority, significant investments in human capital throughout a person’s life-cycle are vital to this effort. If workers are to stay competitive against machines they need to be able to retool existing skills - or be better from the start. In addition to investments in human capital, the changing nature of work demands updates to social protection systems. Governments will also need additional revenues to fund the investments demanded by the changing nature of work. The 2019 World Development Report presents an analysis of these issues based upon the available evidence.

On October 17, 2018, guest Michal Rutkowski spoke at the Australian launch of this much anticipated report.

Michal Rutkowski is the Senior Director for Social Protection and Jobs, overseeing the World Bank’s work in developing systems that protect the poorest and most vulnerable from crises and shocks, and supporting private sector-led growth. He served as an Advisor to the 2019 WDR. Mr Rutkowski holds an MSc and PhD from Warsaw School of Economics and finished his post-graduate studies at the London School of Economics.

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