Bewältigung des Fachkräftemangels durch technologische Innovation?

This article explores the influence of technological innovations on social work and the potential impact on the demand for professional workers. To this end, we identify six cross-sectoral core activities of social work and relate these to potentially disruptive technologies. We discuss that the effects of new approaches to data processing, networking and mediation cannot be limited to rationalisation and work intensification. Despite the potential for substitution by new AI technologies, complex social work activities can be supported in many areas in the future but cannot be fully replaced by automated processes. As technological components become more and more important in the work process, social work organisations will increasingly require professionals with a high level of digital and data expertise. Social workers can benefit from new freedoms and opportunities for action that contribute to an attractive and future-oriented job profile. This may also appeal to new target groups for the profession.