Having worked with and around many server-room robots, I have always wondered why these things aren't roaming around everywhere. My conclusion has always been, there's a real shortage of lazy software engineers in non-IT companies.
I honestly don't understand how nurses, doctors and hospital staff could just go about their daily work without automating the vast majority of the tasks. This kind of attitude would never fly in an IT company. I often tell the people at work "if it needs doing twice, it should be automated". My boss once framed that quote and put it on a wall.
No matter how you look at it, there's a need for millions and millions more software developers.
Simple answer – economy!
I know in my floor of 200 employees at work at least 80% are extra and I am not exaggerating. Maybe myself included!
But imagine if they are not earning salary, then they won’t pay mortgages, and don’t buy lunch and so on.
Most big companies have an understanding with the government to create jobs even if it isn’t necessary. And on the other hand government will provide tax breaks and other benefits. In order for this paradox to function, they need one another and they do everything to keep it going as long as feasibly possible.
Sorry this may be off topics but back in 2008 during the financial crunches, CIBC received $20 billion in handouts/loans from the government of Canada. At the same time, the value of CIBC stock was 17 billion. Meaning the government could have completely taken over it. Government proceeded with the relief to keep the bank alive and CIBC created many jobs even though many aren’t really needed.
Covid 19 has provided an opportunity for the government planners to plan for more efficient models. Did you know before corvid 19 teacher groups were the biggest opponent of online teaching? Now they have to do it.. it is easier for younger teachers to pick up the technology and adopt but the older ones will be slowly retiring. Same with other professions.
Western planners should be planning for different models to allow sustainable long term taxed base system now that they have paid hefty price for it.