The fourth international WORK2019 Conference gathered experts in work and working life to Helsinki between 14.–16. of August. During the conference we heard speeches on the platform economy, the automation of work and digital online gig work. Read the highlights of each conference day below.
The WORK2019 organising committee would like to thank the participants of the conference, as well as people who followed the event on social media, for an inspiring three days. The next WORK Conference will be held in 2021. We hope to see you then!
Conference highlights, 14.8.: Innovations can increase labour market inequality
On the opening day of the conference, discussions revolved around the effects of the platform economy on work. During the day we heard a keynote speech on the downside of innovation work by Associate Professor of Communication Lilly Irani from the University of California, San Diego, and another keynote on the online gig economy by Associate Professor Vili Lehdonvirta from Oxford University.
Read more about the highlights of Wednesday
Conference highlights, 15.8.: Automation makes work more efficient but can constrain employees
Thursday featured presentations on work automation and its links to employees’ rights and privacy. Professor of Labour Law Valerio De Stefano from KU Leuven delivered a keynote speech on the effects of artificial intelligence and automation to employees’ rights and labour law. Professor of Sociology Allison Pugh from the University of Virginia talked about the future of relationship-dependent work as a result of digitalisation. Professor of Anthropology Ilana Gershon from Indiana University delved into the branding of the individual in working life in her speech.
Read more about the highlights of Thursday
Conference highlights, 16.8.: The platform economy can save or destroy a business
The WORK2019 conference culminated on Friday in the closing seminar of the SWiPE (Smart Work in Platform Economy) consortium which is funded by the Strategic Research Council at the Academy of Finland. The keynote speech of the day was delivered by Professor Martin Kenney from the University of California. The keynote covered the theme of platform actors’ power over businesses. The closing seminar also included a panel discussion where some of the findings of the SWiPE research project were presented.
Read more about the highlights of Friday
Text: Kira Keini, KasKas Media Oy
