The global economy is currently undergoing a new industrial revolution catalyzed by advancement in technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain or autonomous vehicles, and the Internet of Things (IoT), among others. In this context, Latinx adults represent the demographic most at risk of losing jobs due to the impact of automation and digitalization, with a 26% rate of potential job displacement for Latinx workers.1 Overrepresented in some of the economic sectors that will be most impacted by this technological revolution, such as retail, construction, hospitality, manufacturing or agriculture, Latinx workers and entrepreneurs will need to develop new digital and technological skills to remain competitive in the job market. Additionally, much more work needs to be done in the K-12 and post-secondary education systems to ensure that Latinx students have access to the foundational computational skills needed across all industries, but especially to participate in the technology sector.
Representation in the technology sector matters, not only for equitable access to lucrative and high-opportunity jobs, but also to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the competencies needed to create ethical, responsible, and functional technological advances that do not harm users or society (e.g., algorithmic bias), especially groups historically excluded from the technology creation, design, and decision-making.
Expanding the Latinx Tech Pipeline: The Time for Action is Now is a collaboration between Aspen Latinos and Society and Kapor Center.
1 5 Lund, S. et al (2019, July), The future of work in America. McKinsey Global Institute.
