Disruption in the apparel industry? Automation, employment and reshoring
Amid concern about the impact of automation on employment, there is consensus that jobs comprising repetitive codifiable tasks are at greatest risk. The apparel industry has been strategic in economic development as an entry point into global markets and as a creator of jobs. Although routine work c...
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Published in | International labour review Vol. 160; no. 4; pp. 519 - 536 |
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Main Authors | , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Geneva
International Labour Organization, represented by the International Labour Office (ILO)
01.12.2021
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Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | Amid concern about the impact of automation on employment, there is consensus that jobs comprising repetitive codifiable tasks are at greatest risk. The apparel industry has been strategic in economic development as an entry point into global markets and as a creator of jobs. Although routine work characterizes the bulk of employment in apparel manufacturing, the penetration of automation technologies remains limited. Drawing on interviews with key personnel at leading apparel brands, this article offers new insights into the current and projected use of technology, identifying practical bottlenecks and discussing potential implications for the global distribution of production and employment. |
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Bibliography: | Responsibility for opinions expressed in signed articles rests solely with their authors, and publication does not constitute an endorsement by the ILO. |
ISSN: | 0020-7780 1564-913X |
DOI: | 10.1111/ilr.12213 |