They are subtle but there. Automation means the productivity is local - albeit concentrated in the automatees and implies an upwards trajectory to quality - giv

They are subtle but there. Automation means the productivity is local - albeit concentrated in the automatees and implies an upwards trajectory to quality - giving a competitive edge. The industry is still there and likely growing stronger and more concentrated in skill. Outsourcing implies going to the lowest bidder and less investment locally with fewer peripheral jobs. It is also "brute force" and commoditization. Inevitably the destination nation will develop competition which may be able to compete with the abroad nation who will have little special on them. It risks the loss of the industry even as an outsourcer.