Metaplex (mplx) 
The phrase “Live long and prosper” may sound great, but in reality, who is actually funding all that prosperity? Pension systems worldwide are facing challenges due to declining birth rates and longer life expectancies. This poses a threat to the sustainability of these systems, as there are fewer workers supporting a growing number of retirees.
Germany, for example, is experiencing both an aging population and a highly automated economy. Robots are stepping in to fill workforce gaps and increase productivity. While there are concerns about job losses due to automation, research suggests that robots are often complementing human labor rather than replacing it entirely.
As automation and AI technologies advance, there are worries about the impact on the job market, particularly for entry-level positions. Countries with pay-as-you-go pension systems and older populations, such as Japan, Italy, and Spain, face additional challenges in supporting retirees as automation reduces the need for human labor.
One potential solution is to ensure that the benefits of automation are shared more equitably among society. This could involve redistributing some of the wealth generated by machines to the communities they impact. By embracing blockchain technology, we can create systems where everyone has a stake in the automated economy, leading to a more inclusive and sustainable future.
It’s crucial to address these challenges proactively by leveraging innovative technologies like blockchain to ensure that automation benefits everyone, not just a select few. By embracing decentralization and shared ownership, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
Max Thake, co-founder of peaq and EoT Labs, advocates for a more inclusive approach to automation through blockchain technology. By making everyone a stakeholder in the automated economy, we can navigate the challenges posed by demographic shifts and ensure a brighter future for all.
