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The Future of Work and Workers

Anticipating and designing solutions for workforce equity, AI and technological disruption, and dignified labor.

New and emerging technologies are driving seismic change across business. The rise of AI and advances in automation demand new information to understand their impact and support their ethical use. The McKenna Center meets the need for evidence to guide policy and decision-making in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, seeking answers for questions at the intersection of tech ethics and human well-being. Through innovative, faculty-led research focused on the future of workers, we help shape governance and policy with evidence.

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AI and nursing research

Facing high employee turnover and an aging population, nursing homes have increasingly turned to robots to complete a variety of care tasks, but few researchers have explored how these technologies impact workers and the quality of care. A new study from the Keough School finds that robot use is associated with increased employment and employee retention, improved productivity and a higher quality of care. The research has important implications for the workplace and the long-term care industry.

An Asian man with graying black hair, in a dark suit and blue striped tie, smiles slightly. To his right, text asks, 'The future of eldercare?' The Notre Dame logo and Keough School of Global Affairs are also present.

Policy Briefs

  • AI Ethics, Regulation & Firm Implications: explores emerging approaches to AI governance and regulation, highlighting ethical concerns such as bias, privacy, and transparency, and examines how firms can proactively adopt ethical AI practices and managerial standards ahead of formal regulation.
  • When Does AI Pay Off?: examines the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and business performance in high-tech ventures, exploring how complementary technologies and R&D strategies may influence outcomes.

 

Recent Publications

Headshot of Yong Suk Lee, a man with short graying hair, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and blue-and-lavender striped tie.

Lead Faculty

Yong Suk Lee

Associate Professor of Technology, Economy, and Global Affairs, Keough School of Global Affairs

Full Biography