Reply: The opportunities of digitization - the issue that politicians, including Anders Wijkman, have forgotten
Anders Wijkman writes in GP debatt about politicians' lack of insight into the digital threat and its impact on work, education and taxes. And it is true, as Wijkman writes, that more and more jobs will be taken over by computers. But it is equally true that more and more jobs will be created thanks to digitalization.
This is partly due to a growing IT industry with an already urgent need for skills. In a report commissioned by the European Commission, it is stated that already next year there will be a shortage of about 30,000 IT workers in Sweden alone, about half a million in the entire EU27.
It's also about the fact that new technologies will eliminate some professions while making others more attractive. Take the health and social care sector, for example. With the help of technology and digital tools, many jobs can be made more attractive - heavy and time-consuming tasks can be freed up in favor of more time with patients and users. That is, for health and social care.
Wijkman focuses on the "digital threat" that he believes risks pulling the rug out from under many of the jobs we know today. But he writes very little about how the digital opportunities, in addition to providing new jobs, also provide scope for efficiency improvements in welfare. According to calculations from SKL, the gap between needs and public resources in 2035 with the current financing system - all other things being equal - will correspond to SEK 13 in municipal tax. Therefore, we need to think again. Rethink. Take advantage of the opportunities of digitalization. The municipality of Västerås, for example, has made admirable investments in e-home services. It has been found that every krona invested in the e-home service gives five kronor back. It is a mystery why more municipal politicians have not made the same investments and chosen the same priorities to solve tomorrow's welfare challenges. Or not to say malpractice.
But whether we talk about threats or opportunities, we fully agree with Wijkman that this technological shift - or rather digitalization revolution - should be a main theme for this year's elections. It will require new thinking and reforms, in several policy areas. Existing operations and business models will change, threats will need to be weighed against opportunities and we will have to make some sacrifices along the way.But it is probably time for our politicians to at least face the facts; the digitalization revolution is here to stay. Which party will be the first to realize this and shape its policies accordingly?
Ellinor Bjennbacke
Head of Business Policy IT&Telecom within Almega