Episode 6 | Jun 9, 2025 - Workforce Evolution

Rewiring the American Edge

In this episode of Rewiring the American Edge, hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas talk with special guest Ruth Whittaker Director of Civic Innovation Policy at the Chamber of Program discussing the future of labor in the context of automation and autonomous vehicles. They explore the potential for job creation, the importance of middle-skilled labor, and the need for workforce development. The conversation also touches on the shift from vehicle ownership to car as a service, the impact of AVs on urban planning, and the regulatory challenges facing innovation in the U.S. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the need for proactive training and investment in the workforce to prepare for the future of work.

Takeaways
-Automation isn't just about displacing jobs; it's about reinventing labor.
-Middle-skilled labor may be essential for the future workforce.
-AVs rely on traditional job models, creating new opportunities.
-Job experience may be more valuable than formal education.
-The future of work is fertile and offers exciting possibilities.
-Investment in job training programs is crucial for future success.
-The entire country can compete for AV jobs, not just tech hubs.
-Regulatory challenges hinder innovation in the U.S. automotive industry.
-Transportation credits could enhance housing affordability.
-Communities must adapt to the changing landscape of work and transportation.

Sound bites
"Automation isn't just about displacing jobs."
"The entire country can compete for AV jobs."
"There's going to be a transition to atoms from electrons."
"The future of work is fertile and exciting."

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to the Future of Work
07:37 - The Impact of Autonomous Vehicles on Employment
16:31 - Middle-Skill Jobs and Workforce Evolution
25:24 - The Role of Location in Future Job Markets
25:48 - The Future of Manufacturing and Workforce Skills
27:53 - The Role of OEMs in Innovation
29:39 - Autonomous Vehicles and Job Creation
33:54 - Regulatory Challenges and Global Competition
34:19 - Balancing Innovation and Regulation in the Tech Industry
37:34 - Shifting Narratives on Automation and Employment
44:44 - Preparing for the Future: Training and Investment Opportunities

Additional Resources:
Chamber of Progress. 2024. Opportunity AV: How Many and What Types of Jobs Will Be Created by Autonomous Vehicles? https://progresschamber.org/new-study-autonomous-vehicle-jobs-to-exceed-110k-in-u-s/
Riggs, William, Urban Autonomy & Disruptive Transport in the United States: Benchmarking Urban Policy and Programs (October 26, 2018). http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3273431
Riggs, William, Revisiting Location Efficiency: Strategies to Graduate Thinking on Mortgage Policy (April 11, 2016). http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2805483