Authors: Basco, Ana Inés ; Carballo, Marita.
Executive Summary
Within the framework of the Integrology: The Future of Work and Regional Integration in the Age of Robots platform, which seeks to generate cutting-edge knowledge and provide resources and tools to better understand the impact of automation on production systems and trade, the Inter-American Development Bank’s Institute for the Integration of Latin America and the Caribbean (INTAL), part of the Integration and Trade Sector (INT), developed the study “Millennial Compass: Generation Y in the Era of 4.0 Integration.”
Based on a mixed quantitative and qualitative research approach, the study explores Argentine youth’s international outlook, technology consumption habits, educational experiences, expectations, and labor market situation. These young people are among those who will be most affected—positively or negatively—in the short and medium term by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. More than anyone else, they must prepare for the changes ahead: they are the generation born in the digital age and coming of age amid the rapid expansion of robotics, 3D and 4D printing, artificial intelligence, and hyperconnectivity.
The findings indicate that Argentine Millennials are approaching the transformations associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution with caution. An exception is a group of younger individuals from the highest socioeconomic segment, primarily men living in the City of Buenos Aires, who appear to be more actively engaged with these emerging technological and economic changes.
The main findings of the study are summarized below:
- Support for Latin American Integration with Social Considerations:
64% of young people support greater trade integration with Latin America, regardless of their ideological orientation. However, they remain cautious about immigration and imports, prioritizing the protection of local employment. - High Connectivity but Limited Productive Use of Technology:
Although 93% have internet access through their mobile phones, only 54% use technology in their work. Technology is primarily used for entertainment and social interaction rather than for education, training, or e-commerce. - Persistence of the Digital Divide:
While 84% report having technological skills, significant differences exist across socioeconomic groups. Around 22% of young people neither study nor work, and this group tends to have lower levels of access to and engagement with technology. - Distrust of Exponential Change and Institutions:
Only 25% are willing to adopt disruptive technologies such as robots, telemedicine, or artificial meat. The study also reveals skepticism regarding the impact of automation on employment, as well as high levels of distrust in political institutions (65%). - Personal Optimism and Entrepreneurial Spirit:
Seventy percent believe they will enjoy a better quality of life than their parents. Half consider it feasible to start their own business, particularly among higher socioeconomic groups. - Preference for Traditional Education over Technological Skills:
Fifty-one percent place greater value on formal education than on mastering new technologies, while only 20% believe technological skills are more important. - Technology Is Integrated into Daily Life, but with Limitations:
Millennials make extensive use of social media and mobile phones, yet they still prefer face-to-face interactions, obtain most of their information from television (79%), and express a degree of distrust toward digital environments. - Low Adoption of Technology-Driven Habits in Everyday Life:
For example, only 16% would pay bills online, 10% use credit cards, and just 17% would be willing to consume artificial meat. - Traditional Goals and Strong Family Values:
The most important life goals are having a strong family life (51%), having children (51%), and achieving professional success (45%). Interest in personal development is also growing (35%). - High Awareness of and Opposition to Corruption, Though with Nuances:
Eighty percent state that they would report acts of corruption, although 34% would tolerate them if they were perceived as helping to solve the country’s problems.