Transformation of China’s Labor Market Under the Impact of Digitalization and Population Aging

DOI: 10.33917/es-2.206.2026.52-57

China’s labour market is experiencing dual structural pressure caused by accelerated economy digitalization and the deepening population aging. On the one hand, technological progress is transforming professions, stimulating growth of the gig economy and changing work values. On the other hand, decline in the share of young workers and growing number of elderly citizens are creating staff shortage and increasing productivity requirements. The present article analyses combined impact of these trends, examines adaptation mechanisms at the enterprise and public policy levels and draws conclusions about transformation of the labour market towards greater flexibility, automation and increased human capital value.

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