The nature of work is rapidly changing. Technological progress and automation represent an opportunity to boost labour productivity and create flexible working conditions that better suit worker needs in all places—from cities to rural areas. There are, however, mounting concerns about how many and what kinds of jobs will be available in the future. Another growing source of concern is whether the future of work will exacerbate inequalities between people and across places.

Four years since the first edition of Job Creation and Local Economic Development, the creation of better quality jobs remains a top concern among OECD countries. The first edition focused on how policy makers can set the framework for local job creation, while the second edition examined policies to boost skills development and entrepreneurship at the local level. This third edition looks ahead and examines the changing nature of work and the necessary steps to prepare workers for the future of work. It sheds light on widening spatial gaps within countries in terms of job creation and the education and skills of workers, as well as the need for more effective programmes to ensure labour market inclusion of vulnerable groups.

This publication consists of two main parts. Part I contains three thematic chapters focusing on the regional and local dimension of job automation, non-standard work, and inclusion in labour markets.

Technological innovations such as automation and digitalisation drive productivity growth, increase revenues, generate new jobs and thus can contribute to better living standards. But will this new future of work bridge or increase divides among people? Which workers will be replaced by robots and artificial intelligence? How can workers adapt and take advantage of technology? And, how will these changes occur in different places?