Pre-automation is a business model. Probably a secretive one. The idea is that a massive organization, especially one aiming to be a monopolistic platform, might employ large, outsourced labor forces. Think “gig workers.” At the same time, the organization would invest in developing the tools to replace these workers with in-house systems and machines.
Does this ring a bell? It should. Think about Amazon, particularly its delivery business, and Uber. Here’s an academic paper about it by Janet Vertesi, of Princeton, et al.
This article is closely related. It’s about how “disruption” in the mouths of tech bros is another word for theft.
