The Aspen Institute

From driverless cars to robotic warehouses, it appears that automation could dramatically impact the labor market, with technology being used to reduce or replace the need for human labor across a wide range of industries. Automation has the potential to boost productivity, increase wages, and improve working conditions, but can also lead to job losses, skills mismatches, or distress to regional economies. How can we take advantage of the opportunities that automation offers, while also addressing the challenges it can present?

Technology is not destiny. In the 21st century, what policies do we need to put in place to prepare for automation? What is the role of our major institutions – from employers, to unions, to governments – in developing the path forward?

At this event, you’ll hear from experts on the challenges and opportunities posed by automation’s impact on the labor market, as well as potential policy solutions for a rapidly evolving 21st century economy. We welcome you to be a part of this important dialogue.

Agenda:

Welcome & Introduction

• Alastair Fitzpayne, Executive Director, Aspen Institute Future of Work Initiative
• Joe Speicher, Executive Director, Autodesk Foundation

A Policymaker Perspective

• Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)
• Senator Heidi Heitkamp, Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School, CNBC contributor, Former United States Senator from North Dakota
• Moderated by Lauren Weber, Reporter, The Wall Street Journal

 The Case for Action

• Erica Groshen, Visiting Senior Scholar at the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Research Fellow at the Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, Former Commissioner of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2013-2017)
• Mark Muro, Senior Fellow and Policy Director, Metropolitan Policy Program, Brookings Institution
• Spencer Overton, President, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
• Moderated by Lauren Weber, Reporter, The Wall Street Journal

Policies for a Changing Economy

• Jon Hiatt, Of Counsel, Solidarity Center, Former Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant to the President of the AFL-CIO
• Scott Rutherford, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company
• Kristen Silverberg, Executive Vice President for Policy, Business Roundtable (BRT)
• Portia Wu, Managing Director, U.S. Public Policy, Microsoft
• Moderated by Alastair Fitzpayne, Executive Director, Aspen Institute Future of Work Initiative