What is the impact of artificial intelligence on workers’ rights?
“AttivIAmoci: inclusione digitale e sviluppo tecnologico rispettoso dei diritti” explores this question and others. It is available on Spotify, and is the work of researchers at the Marco Biagi Foundation and colleagues at UNIMORE
This Italian language podcast is the result of a collaborative effort by Labour and Public Law researchers from the Marco Biagi Department of Economics and the Department of Law of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, coordinated by Professor Iacopo Senatori.
Invitation to Discussion
Designed to make cutting-edge research accessible and engaging for a broad audience, the podcast offers fresh perspectives on how AI is reshaping the world around us. It stems from a pressing need to raise public awareness of the social and professional implications of artificial intelligence, and to explore new ways of fostering meaningful dialogue with society.
This initiative stems from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia’s strong and ongoing commitment to public engagement, which represents not only a strategic mission of the University but also a fundamental pillar in its pursuit of social responsibility, knowledge dissemination, and active dialogue with the wider community. It has been funded under the University Fund for the Third Mission.
The discussions in this series
The podast has also been realized with the organizational support of the Marco Biagi Foundation and is part of the scientific and educational work of the Observatory on Digital and Multilocal Work and the Observatory on Privacy, AI and New Technologies, both based at the Foundation.
Produced in collaboration with Radio FSC-Unimore, the podcast features five weekly episodes released every Tuesday at 1:00 PM from May 27 to June 24. Each episode is built around interviews with scholars and centres on key issues in the contemporary debate on artificial intelligence, particularly in relation to labour and rights.In the first episode, “L’IA come modificherà i nostri diritti?”(Translation: How will AI change our rights), features Dr. Federica Moccia (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, “Marco Biagi” Department of Economics), editor of the episode, with guest Dr. Virginia Remondino (University of Bologna “Alma Mater Studiorum”). Together, they explore the delicate balance between technological innovation and the protection of rights — from the right to privacy to the fight against discrimination — with a focus on the new European AI Regulation.
In the second episode of AttivIAmoci, “L’IA ruberà il tuo lavoro?” (Translation: Will AI steal your job?) Dr. Maria Barberio(University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Department of Law), editor of the episode, interviews Dr. Leonardo Battista (University of Bologna “Alma Mater Studiorum”). They discuss how AI can not only replace but also support and enhance human skills, highlighting the importance of a collective, multi-stakeholder approach to regulation in order to ensure a fair, inclusive, and sustainable digital transition.
The third episode, “L’IA ti selezionerà?” (Translation: Will AI select you?), has Dr. Michele Molè (University of Groningen, Netherlands), interviewed by Dr. Federica Palmirotta (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Department of Law), editor of the episode. They investigate algorithmic discrimination, transparency challenges, and the legal safeguards provided by European law, offering key insights into how AI is transforming recruitment and how job seekers can protect themselves.
The fourth episode “L’IA gestità il tuo lavoro?” (Translation: Will AI manage your work?), released on 17 June, features a discussion led by Dr. Laura Greco (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Department of Economics), as curator of the episode, with guest Dr. Marco Tufo (University of Urbino and University of Siena), The episode examines how companies are changing the way to manage work, bringing new opportunities for efficiency and innovation, but also posing potential risks and threats to workers’ rights.
Lastly, in the fifth episode “L’IA sfida le relazioni di lavoro?” (Translation: Does AI challenge labour relations?) Dr. Ilaria Purificato (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Department of Economics), as curator of the episode, interviews Dr. Silvia Rainone (European Trade Union Institute). This will be released on 24 June This episode offers an in-depth analysis of how AI is influencing the structure and dynamics of labour relations. The episode explores both challenges and opportunities, with particular attention to the current and anticipated role of social partners within the evolving European regulatory framework.
