Competence Centre on the Future of Work

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At the International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) in Philadelphia on 25 May, British technology firm Dyson gave a glimpse of its top secret plans for household robots. During the event, Dyson outlined their ambitions in advanced robotics, and offered a sneak peak at its development of an autonomous device capable of household chores and other tasks. — Creator: picture alliance / Cover Images | Dyson Limited/Cover Images

About us

The Competence Centre on the Future of Work (FES Future of Work) was founded in 2021 in Brussels by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES). As part of a social democratic organisation, we strive to uphold its core values of freedom, justice and solidarity in the context of the digital transformation.

Our current Projects

News & Events

Event
AI, Algorithms, & Data

Tuesday, 13.10.2026

Hard choices: EU technological sovereignty and the geopolitics of AI

Can Europe strengthen its technological autonomy while working with international partners? What are the trade-offs?

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Our current Projects

Creator: picture alliance / REUTERS | Brian Snyder

Authoritarian Stack

This project maps and analyses a complex network of firms, investment funds, and political actors that are transforming core state functions into private digital platforms.

A rider of delivery worker with the Uber Eats Box wait in front of restaurant — Creator: picture alliance / AA | Pier Marco Tacca

CBAs on AI at Work

This project examines the importance of collective bargaining on AI in the workplace, aiming to protect workers’ rights and ensure the ethical and fair use of technologies.

close up of a laptop screen and a pair of hands working on the laptop — Creator: picture alliance/dpa | Sebastian Willnow

Workers' Data Rights

This project focuses on ensuring Workers' Data Rights under GDPR, empowering employees with control over their personal data and privacy.

a cleaning lady at the corridor — Creator: picture alliance / DC_2/Shotshop | DC 2

Platform Work

This project examines platform work in Europe, analysing labour conditions, power relations, regulation, and worker experiences in the context of the EU Directive on Platform Work.

Employment survey — Creator: picture alliance / empics | Lauren Hurley

Quality Jobs

This project is dedicated to examining the nature of quality jobs and their significance, relevance, and challenges in the context of emerging workplace technologies.

Protest against the Pensions Reform - Paris — Creator: picture alliance / abaca | Lafargue Raphael / ABACA

AI and Gender Equality

The project addresses critical yet often overlooked issues, from algorithmic fairness and gender bias to digital literacy and labor inequalities in the changing world of work.

Shaping the AI revolution?

Gengler, Eva | Bonn : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung e.V., October 2026

Women in the start-up ecosystem

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Artificial intelligence, algorithmic management and collective bargaining in European services

Kahancová, Marta ; Phonskaningtyas, Intan Citra ; Medas, Gabriele ; Šarközi, Tomáš ; Dragstra, Fiona ; Zholdasbay, Daryn | Bonn : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung e.V., September 2026

fast track or slow lane?