CIVICA Celebrates Future of Work in Age of Automation at IE University

IE Law School and IE School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs united to host an Honors Seminar to highlight the challenges and opportunities of the future of work in the age of automation. MBA students from CIVICA member universities including IE University, Bocconi University, Hertie School, Warsaw School of Economics, and London School of Economics (LSE) joined sessions and masterclasses with professor Antonio Aloisi from IE Law School and professor Angelo Martelli from LSE. The event was led by Manuel Muñiz, Provost of IE University and Dean of IE School of Global and Public Affairs, member of CIVICA’s President's Committee, and María-Eugenia Marín, Vice Provost in Global Academic Partnerships and Alliances of IE University, member of CIVICA’s Steering Committee.

The week-long seminar offered a comprehensive exploration of pressing global economic issues, from grappling with the implications of robotics and AI to navigating the complexities of collective rights and labor market reforms to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of work.

Professor Antonio Aloisi highlighted the transformative impact of the CIVICA alliance, noting its role in cultivating a new generation of students committed to scientific rigor and practical applicability. "The Honor Seminars are not only fostering interinstitutional collaboration but also serving as catalysts for community-building. This benefits not only our academic team but also enhances the experience of the student communities of the partner universities”, Aloisi explained.

Renzo Anthony de Guzman, an IE University student from the Philippines, shared his perspective on the seminar, "It was particularly interesting to me as I did have a social sciences academic background paired with a professional background in automation. Rapid development of AI also means a significant portion of jobs being displaced, so the need for transversal skills becomes more apparent. Alongside that, a takeaway from the seminar is the principal role in which policymakers take alongside the development of AI & Automation.”

Professor Antonio Aloisi further emphasized the significance of the IE-CIVICA alliance in fostering collaboration, " With participants from 30 different countries, students representing five institutions and boasting a myriad of academic profiles—from law, economics to data science—the seminar delved into the seismic shifts shaping the labour market. The focus was on understanding the role of policies in navigating this era of radical transformation.”

Andrea Rivera, IE University student from Honduras, shared the value of CIVICA's collaborative learning environments. "My experience at the seminar and my understanding of the CIVICA alliance have deepened my appreciation for the critical role of academia in navigating the complexities of modern labor markets and technological transformations. It has reinforced my commitment to contributing to the field of international development.”

IE University and CIVICA reaffirm their commitment to shaping future leaders to help them face the challenges and opportunities of the future of work. Through partnerships and interdisciplinary approaches, the CIVICA alliance sets a model for innovative collaboration and impactful research.