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Disruption in the apparel industry? Automation, employment and reshoring

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  • Fernanda BÁRCIA DE MATTOS
  • Jeff EISENBRAUN
  • David KUCERA
  • Arianna ROSSI

Abstract

Amid concern about the impact of automation on employment, there is consensus that jobs comprising repetitive codifiable tasks are at greatest risk. The apparel industry has been strategic in economic development as an entry point into global markets and as a creator of jobs. Although routine work characterizes the bulk of employment in apparel manufacturing, the penetration of automation technologies remains limited. Drawing on interviews with key personnel at leading apparel brands, this article offers new insights into the current and projected use of technology, identifying practical bottlenecks and discussing potential implications for the global distribution of production and employment.

Suggested Citation

  • Fernanda BÁRCIA DE MATTOS & Jeff EISENBRAUN & David KUCERA & Arianna ROSSI, 2021. "Disruption in the apparel industry? Automation, employment and reshoring," International Labour Review, International Labour Organization, vol. 160(4), pages 519-536, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:intlab:v:160:y:2021:i:4:p:519-536
    DOI: 10.1111/ilr.12213
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    1. Chang, Jae-Hee. & Rynhart, Gary. & Huynh, Phu., 2016. "ASEAN in transformation textiles, clothing and footwear: refashioning the future," ILO Working Papers 994968092102676, International Labour Organization.
    2. Frey, Carl Benedikt & Osborne, Michael A., 2017. "The future of employment: How susceptible are jobs to computerisation?," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 114(C), pages 254-280.
    3. Altenburg, Tilman & Chen, Xiao & Lütkenhorst, Wilfried & Staritz, Cornelia & Whitfield, Lindsay, 2020. "Exporting out of China or out of Africa? Automation versus relocation in the global clothing industry," IDOS Discussion Papers 1/2020, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS).
    4. Chang, Jae-Hee. & Huynh, Phu. & Rynhart, Gary., 2016. "ASEAN in transformation : textiles, clothing and footwear: refashioning the future," ILO Working Papers 994909533402676, International Labour Organization.
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    Cited by:

    1. Butollo, Florian & Gereffi, Gary & Yang, Chun & Krzywdzinski, Martin, 2022. "Digital transformation and value chains: Introduction," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 22(4), pages 585-594.

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