Work

The Impact of Digital Technologies on Self-Employment Dynamics in Italy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This paper examines the causal impact of the adoption of advanced automation and big data on the dynamics of self-employed workers in Italy between 2015 and 2019. Combining data on employment dynamics and on technology adoption at the level of provinces and macrosectors, the analysis shows that the two technologies exert different effects. Advanced automation has a negative impact on the shares of self-employed individuals, whereas the opposite is found for big data. In both cases, the effects are primarily driven by solo self-employed workers (i.e., self-employed individuals without employees). These results are consistent with theories predicting that big data fosters opportunity-based forms of entrepreneurship, whereas advanced automation is associated with a generalized worsening of working arrangements.

Source: Italian Economic Journal

DOI: 10.1007/s40797-026-00412-2

Authors: Mauro Caselli, Enrico Cristofoletti, Andrea Fracasso

Institution: University of Trento

Language: English

Topic: Digital Economy and Work Transformation

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,290