Translation of Dutch column:
Although we hear and see many signals that could
indicate change, the existing system continues to maintain a principle that
undermines stability by pollution, inequality, poverty and many other factors.
The most important goal seems to be the increase of wealth for a select group
of people. In a very rich country like The Netherlands with approx. 17 million
inhabitants more than one million people live below poverty line.
Economists come and go announcing a new era,
but there is more needed than a hype to achieve something. The question why we
have so many problems already is avoided as much as possible. Well-being and a
meaningful life are replaced by growth of economy with the well-known dark
side. In recent years, some plans have been presented to
authorities, but the pressure of rules, legislation and big corporations made
it difficult for them to come out of their ‘comfort zone’. The 4th industrial revolution will push
everything right to the edge.
How could people be offered a meaningful life if
they lose their job? In our country 1.2 million people are on the side-line
despite economic prosperity (Union CNV). This is not reflected in the low official
unemployment figures. This tendency is rising, with the enormous technical
change at the horizon. The fear is that many will not be able to ‘overcome’ the
battle of education. A fundamental question is also whether a process of ‘life
time learning’ is a realistic option for many.Gradually we see more and more problems as to modern
technology.
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| Cost of robot-work versus human labor |
Apart from loss of jobs there is a worldwide attention now as to
the use of smartphones. There is an unfolding epidemic of addiction,
short-sightedness and cognitive problems. From discussions with young people it
appears that trying to meet the expectations from the outside world, is causing
severe mental problems. Life has been moved to the little technical friend in
your pocket. The pressure of the labour market and the ‘social environment in a
box’ are killing. In 2016 we saw an increase of 50% as to burnout-employee
cases (University Nyenrode) and an increasing number of people with suicidal
thoughts.
The expectation seems justified that without change of policy or
legislation this tendency will continue. For citizens, it looks as if the
government prefers silence as to this point instead of action. From all kind of
dossiers as to various subjects such as actually gas extraction in the northern
part of Holland, we see that citizens are not protected by The Hague and
authorities will only act under pressure. The saying: ‘the road to hell is
paved with good intentions’ is certainly applicable and a dangerous attitude
with the coming technical tsunami.
For that reason, I have decided to combine efforts and
to join an international initiative to gather scientists and other influencers
worldwide trying to shape the world as to technology and innovation. We need
regulation. The epicentre of this is in Dhaka – Bangladesh a country where the automation by robots will have enormous
consequences. Many millions of people coming from agriculture have started to
work in factories. Despite low wages their standard of living has been
improved. Now that the cost of robot-work becomes even lower they will lose
their jobs ultimately.
They cannot go back to the former work, because of
mechanisation that has taken place in the meantime also there. What can we do
if smarter machines begin to replace more and more people? On the 13th
of January, The Guardian describes the actual situation, saying that in India
there are 600 million young people. In 2016 1,5 million people applied for
1,500 jobs at a state bank. There are numerous of other examples. There will be new jobs created by technology, although
it is not completely clear what kind and who will be suitable for these.
Will
the masses be able to fulfil the obligations for this new era? It could be a
misunderstanding to follow a ‘laissez-faire’ attitude, in which we’re at the
mercy of the actual system. For that reason, we see more and more scientists
and citizens aware of this dangerous situation uniting to exert pressure to get
at least regulation. Moreover, the combination of technology and social capital
might deliver some solutions. I will continue my voyage to a humane society.
Wim Verhoeven
Koffiekring Zaanstad
