Nanotechnology between the lab and the shop floor: what are the effects on labor?

New report explores market changes brought about by nanotechnology

A new article by Noela Invernizzi, a fellow with the Science and Technology Innovation Program, explores the effects of nanotechnology on labor:

Abstract:

“Nanotechnology’s effects on labor and employment have received little attention within research and debates of the social implications of nanotechnology. This article shows that, in spite of its incipient development, nanotechnology is unquestionably moving towards manufacturing, involving a still very small but increasing component of the labor force. Based on secondary data and literature review, I compose a picture of the emerging jobs in nanotechnology and highlight four emerging trends in nanotechnology workers’ skills requirements. I show that, in addition to job creation, nanotechnology diffusion is likely to pose labor market changes that may be disruptive for some categories of workers.”

Noela Invernizzi is a Professor at the Federal University of Parana, Brazil. Her current project is entitled “Nanotechnology Implications for Labor.” More information about Professor Invernizzi can be found here.

Her article, “Nanotechnology between the lab and on the shop floor: what are the effects on labor?” can be downloaded here. It is published in the Journal of Nanoparticle Research, Volume 13, Number 6, June 2011, pp. 2249-2268(20).