Automation and Income Inequality in Europe

Jan Gromadzki, Karina Doorley, Piotr Lewandowski, Dora Tuda, Philippe Van Kerm

Publication: Working/Discussion PaperWU Working Paper

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Abstract

We study the effects of robot penetration on household income inequality in 14 European countries between 2006–2018, a period of rapid adoption of industrial robots. Automation reduced relative hourly wages and employment of more exposed demographic groups, similarly to the results for the US. Using robot-driven wage and employment shocks as input to the EUROMOD microsimulation model, we find that automation had minor effects on income inequality. Household labour income diversification and tax and welfare policies largely absorbed labour market shocks caused by automation. Transfers played a key role in cushioning the transmission of these shocks to household incomes.
Original languageEnglish
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2023

Publication series

SeriesINEQ Working Paper Series
Number29

WU Working Paper Series

  • INEQ Working Paper Series

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