Technology, Skills, and Globalization: Explaining International Differences in Routine and Nonroutine Work Using Survey Data

Abstract The shift from routine work to nonroutine cognitive is a key feature of labor markets globally, but there little evidence on the extent which tasks differ among workers performing same jobs in different countries. This paper constructs survey-based measures task intensity (RTI) consistent with those based U.S. O*NET database for 47 It confirms substantial cross-country differences content within occupations. workers’ RTI predicted by technology, supply skills, globalization, and economic structure assessed; their contribution variation across countries quantified. Technology far most important factor. Supply skills next importance, especially high-skilled occupations, while globalization more than low-skilled Occupational explains only about one-fifth RTI.