Adnkronos (Adnkronos) – The ISSA (International Social Security Association) Technical Seminar, entitled 'Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Labor Market and Social Security', is currently underway in Rome at Palazzo Wedekind, the headquarters of INPS in Piazza Colonna 366. The seminar will analyze the transformations introduced by artificial intelligence in the world of work and the resulting implications for social protection systems.
The first day of work opened with institutional greetings from INPS President Gabriele Fava and Abi-Ramia Caetano, Secretary General of the International Social Security Association. These were followed by remarks from Marina Calderone, Minister of Labor and Social Policies; Alessio Butti, Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers with responsibility for Technological Innovation and Digital Transition; and Valeria Vittimberga, Director General of INPS.
“Technology is always changing work, but it doesn’t decide how on its own.
We decide. It's decided by rules, contracts, and the choices of those who lead businesses and institutions. This is the question artificial intelligence poses to social security. Not how many jobs it will eliminate. But where will the value it produces go. If artificial intelligence generates value by replacing human labor, a portion of that value must remain tied to social security.
And I believe transitions must be protected, so that the time spent learning a new job doesn't become a void in tomorrow's pension. Notional contributions during retraining, training-related benefits, flexible retirement plans for those approaching retirement. Every labor revolution has required a new social pact. With artificial intelligence, it will be no different. This is why I proposed the creation of an international observatory on the future of welfare, and I'm working on it with social security institutions in other countries. The value that technology creates must go back to protecting people. It's a choice that's up to us, and it must be made now,” stated Gabriele Fava, during his speech.
"The history of industrial revolutions demonstrates that technological progress can generate growth and improved living conditions, but also that the benefits of innovation are not automatically distributed equally," emphasized Valeria Vittimberga. "Between productivity and social progress, there is a crucial mediation—that of institutions, economic rules, labor relations, and public policies. AI makes this even more important because it can profoundly alter the relationship between human labor and the value produced."
The Director General, endorsing the European approach to regulation based on human dignity and fundamental rights, highlighted the need for "a further step: an artificial intelligence system can be perfectly compliant with ethical principles and still produce socially unbalanced economic effects. It can be transparent and non-discriminatory, yet concentrate productivity gains in a limited number of entities, or improve business efficiency without improving workers' conditions to the same extent."
INPS Central Director of International Relations, Giuseppe Conte, emphasized the value of international collaboration, stating: "We are building a network of relationships with other European institutions, especially to exchange information automatically and easily, without burdening citizens abroad. We are building a network of relationships with a number of associations. Today, in fact, we are honored to host this technical seminar organized by the International Social Security Association, which is, precisely, on artificial intelligence, on the impact of artificial intelligence on the world of work. The Institute has always been at the forefront of technological issues and systemic concerns. This is a systemic issue, the impact that will ultimately have on the world of work. It probably won't be as devastating as some narratives make it out to be, but we still need to change the way we work, we need to change skills. Many people, perhaps, will have to change jobs, and therefore we need to plan ahead for the most appropriate tools."
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the labor market and having a growing impact on social security. With this in mind, the seminar, which will take place on October 29 and 30, 2026, at Palazzo Wedekind, will analyze the labor market transformations brought about by the spread of AI and the related implications for social security systems. Particular attention will be paid to the evolution of professional skills, worker training, and the tools needed to accommodate changes in production and employment processes. The discussion will also explore potential intervention measures and social protection policies to address the new vulnerabilities associated with the use of AI, ensuring adequate protection for workers at different stages of their professional lives. Finally, the role of social security administrations and their adaptation to the opportunities and challenges introduced by new technologies will be examined, with particular reference to the evolution of services and organizational models.
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