Does automation also include all the work that can be done by computer and therefore it can be done anywhere and the ‘products’ of that work sent anywhere.
Many jobs have been lost digitally. Manufacturing is not the only kind of work there is. But even there, a lot of the engineering and design work that is part of manufacturing can be (and is) done offshore. It can be done anywhere.
I think just looking at ‘jobs’ as making things is a bit limiting. There are all sorts of jobs that are part of process of making things that do not include the actual making of the things.
In addition a lot of record keeping jobs, accountants, medical records etc are easily outsourced since this work is almost all done by computer.
Other jobs in the same boat: design, engineering, medical imaging analysis, legal research, etc.
So it’s not only about people in factories making things, though that is a big part of the jobs that were lost in the last 30 years or so
There are only three ways to create wealth, mine it, make it, or grow it. Any country that is heavily into agriculture, manufacturing and mining is a wealthy country.