Scandinavia in particular appears to be embracing computer-based technology; Sweden has begun to market itself as Europe’s “Silicon Valley.” Adoption of new technologies in the United States may also have been spurred in recent years by the cyclical strength of the economy in combination with strong domestic and international competitive pressures.
With new workers increasingly difficult to hire in a tight labor market, firms have an increased incentive to find new and more-efficient ways to use existing labor resources. I might add that the current low inflation environment also helps this process.