In the journey from the first industrial revolution, when steam power began to gain importance in production, to Industry 4.0, it is understood that technological developments have positive effects by facilitating the work of human resources in production, but they also have negative effects by reducing the need for human resources in labor-intensive sectors. Especially with the increase in mechanization in the field of production, the widespread and increasing importance of R&D activities, and the emergence of technological innovations, the effects of technological developments on unemployment have become a frequently discussed topic in recent years. In this context, it is seen that two main current views, optimist and pessimist, have gained weight in the literature. While the optimist view states that technological progress will positively contribute to the workforce by creating new job opportunities and making the workforce more efficient, the pessimist view states that the development in automation systems and robotization will replace the labor factor that is currently in the workforce.

In this study, the conceptual impact of technological developments and innovations experienced worldwide on unemployment in recent years will be discussed, and an attempt will be made to evaluate whether or not unemployment has created a change in the theoretical and definitional meaning.