Boris Nikolaev

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About

Boris Nikolaev is a leading scholar at the intersection of labor economics, well-being, and technological change. His research primarily explores how automation and robotization reshape not just employment, but the fundamental quality of work and human flourishing. In his highly influential 2024 paper, "Robots, meaning, and self-determination" (48 citations), Nikolaev pioneered the first empirical examination of how industrial robots impact workers’ sense of meaning, autonomy, competence, and relatedness—core components of self-determination theory. Analyzing survey data across 14 industries in 20 European countries from 2005 to 2021, he revealed that while robotization boosts productivity, it often erodes the psychological rewards that make work fulfilling. This work has positioned him as a critical voice in debates on the future of work, bridging economics and psychology. With a growing citation footprint, Nikolaev’s contributions are essential reading for students and researchers seeking to understand how technology can be harnessed to support, rather than undermine, human dignity and motivation in the modern economy.