Table of Contents
Overview
Automation Nation is a resource for leaders and workers who are interested in how cities are preparing for automation. This report begins with an overview of automation risk before moving to case studies of Phoenix, Indianapolis, and South Bend—three cities grappling with the future of work in different ways. Following the case studies, we offer brief observations about lessons learned from their efforts to mitigate automation risk. We also provide Action Steps for Implementers and Additional Reading for more information.
We explain our methodology for calculating automation potential and outline who might be at greatest risk. Read to learn more about the nuances and limitations of automation predictions.
Case Studies
Phoenix: A Tale of Two Cities: Phoenix is a city of contrasts. Income inequality is high and a large share of the workforce works in low-paid work. Although the number of highly-paid technology and knowledge economy jobs have increased, a portion of Phoenix residents work for lean hourly wages in service, hospitality, and retail. Will future gains from automation be shared widely, or captured by a privileged few?
Indianapolis: The Crossroads of Change: Previous decades of automation in Indiana’s manufacturing sector have raised the consciousness of Indianapolis residents about technology’s capacity to dramatically change the nature of work. Yet most of Indianapolis’s future-facing initiatives are focused on fostering a technology sector that will be able to accommodate only a fraction of the residents whose jobs will be altered by automation. Will more vulnerable workers be able to secure a foothold on opportunity and support their families?
Case Brief
South Bend: Reinventing a “Dying City”: Less than 10 years ago, Newsweek declared South Bend, Ind. a “dying city.” However, with several recent flagship initiatives, the city has attracted national attention as an early pioneer in preparing for the future of work. We examine South Bend’s achievements in automation resiliency and preview areas for further development.
We share how the successes and failures of Phoenix, Indianapolis, and South Bend can jumpstart the automation conversation in other cities.