…but unfortunately not everyone does
While we might assume that top executives have learned this lesson, apparently Elon Musk at Tesla has not. Ironically, in the same plant in Fremont, California where Toyota achieved high levels of productivity by gradually introducing technology and working with workers and their union, Tesla is failing to meet its production goals. Just why is Tesla falling behind? Because the company is pursuing a total automation strategy. And, not surprisingly, workers at its factory are trying to organize a union in protest of what they see as persistent safety problems, overwork, and low wages. At the same time, investors are worried that the company’s cash reserves are running low. And this, as we know, has led to Elon Musk’s announcement that he will cut some 3,500 jobs.
Similarly, criticism has been levelled at the 15 manufacturing technology centres the US government is putting in place along the lines of the German Fraunhofer Society. Despite the promise that the state programmes would also promote vocational education and training, initial evaluations show that investments were made primarily in technology development, with training taking a back seat. The one exception is the programme on lightweight construction: here companies and vocational schools are together tackling technology development and training, and combining both.
Researchers and manufacturers all over the world are beginning to adopt this more inclusive approach to technology. Major research institutions such as MIT and ETH Zürich are setting up task forces to tackle the issue. But many tough questions lie ahead. If we can launch a dialogue across all social groups and institutions on which technologies should be used and how to create benefit for all, we will have taken a crucial first step.
