Will digitalisation support or erode Europe’s social contract?

Is digital technology damaging our social contract? 

Clearly, there are all sorts of risks coming from new technology; from the impact of automation and Artificial Intelligence on wages and job security, to the alienating and polarising effects of social media, to the “digital divide” in terms of skills and connectivity. However, could technology be deployed differently to support a new social contract?

What should be the role of digital in the new social contract? 

How we tax big tech and automation will clearly be a key consideration (e.g. should we tax robots?). Beyond that, however, digital technology can play a role in supporting education, connecting people, building digital skills, fostering creativity and innovation, and supporting democracy and citizen engagement. Who should be responsible, in our new social contract, for closing the digital divide and ensuring technology delivers on the promise of connectivity for all?

Debating Europe convened our own citizens’ panel, with a mix of citizens and civil society representatives, to discuss digitalisation and the social contract. You can watch the panel in the video above. Taking part were:

• Sophie
• Milan
• Fotios
• Gea

Will digitalisation support or erode Europe’s social contract? 

Or will it support creativity, connectivity, and innovation across society? Who should be responsible for closing the digital divide and promoting digital skills and infrastructure so they benefit all of society? Let us know your thoughts and comments in the form below and we’ll take them to policymakers and experts for their reactions!

IMAGE CREDITS: Photo by Lucrezia Carnelos on Unsplash

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