: 10.56472/25835238/IRJEMS-V5I1P101
Dr. Pritish Chandra Vaish. "Technological Change and Employment Elasticity in the Manufacturing Sector: Evidence from Brics" International Research Journal of Economics and Management Studies, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 1-4, 2026. Crossref. http://doi.org/10.56472/25835238/IRJEMS-V5I1P101
This paper examines the impact of technological changes on employment elasticity in the manufacturing sectors of BRICS economies, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, between 2000 and 2023. Analysing a panel dataset that includes indicators like robotics, digital investment, R&D intensity, and high-tech exports, the study assesses whether technology creates or displaces jobs. Results indicate that the adoption of robots and ICT investment reduces labour demand elasticity. It suggests a trend towards labour-saving technologies. On the other hand, higher R&D intensity and growth in high-tech exports increase employment elasticity by creating skilled jobs in engineering, design 4, and logistics. Trade openness and more integration within global value chains also help create jobs. India has the highest employment elasticities in the BRICS due to its labour-demanding sectors, while Russia ranks at the bottom most place due to its capital-intensive nature of production. The study emphasises the need for complementary policies such as skills training and innovation support.
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Technological Change, Employment Elasticity, Manufacturing Sector, Automation; Robotics, Innovation, Global Value Chains, BRICS Economies, Industrial Development, Labour Markets.