The sources and increase of social wealth have been one of the most fundamental areas of interest since the birth of modern political economy. There had been debates on the source of value, surplus-value, profit or rent; on which type of work a new value can be created; issues such as which classes are economically productive.

With advancements in digitalisation and artificial intelligence, examples of full automation at the operational level are on the rise. This trend is likely to accelerate in the coming years.