Profit and Prejudice The Luddites of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Avoiding prejudice will be critical to economic success in the fourth industrial revolution. It is not the new and innovative technology that will matter in the next decade, but what we do with it. Using technology properly, with diverse decision making, is the difference between success and failure in a changing world. This will require putting the right person in the right job at the right time. Prejudice stops that happening.

Profit and Prejudice takes us through the relationship between economic success and prejudice in labour markets. It starts with the major changes that occur in periods of economic upheaval. These changes tend to be unpopular and complex ? and complexity encourages people to turn to the simplistic arguments of ?scapegoat economics? and prejudice. Some of the changes of the fourth industrial revolution will help fight prejudice, but some will make it far worse. The more prejudice there is, the harder it will be for companies and countries to profit from the changes ahead. Profit is not the main argument against prejudice, but can certainly help fight it.

This book tells a story of the damage that prejudice can do. Using economics without jargon, students, investors and the public will be able to follow the narrative and see how prejudice can be opposed. Prejudice is bad for business and the economy. Profit and Prejudice explains why.

1. Profit and Prejudice 2. Past revolutions we have had 3. The revolution has started 4. Change and prejudice 5. Does technology make prejudice worse? The good news 6. Does technology make prejudice worse? The bad news 7. The economic damage of prejudice – Part 1: Firms 8. The economic damage of prejudice – Part 2: The economy9. The economic damage of gender prejudice 10. The economic damage of sexuality prejudice 11. Fighting back 12. Profit and prejudice

Paul Donovan joined UBS in 1992 as an intern. He is a managing director, and Chief Economist for UBS Global Wealth Management. Paul is responsible for formulating and presenting views on economics and policy.