How do new technologies impact developing countries? The optimist’s view is that they can help low-income countries leapfrog in development by not having to replicate old models of industrialisation. The pessimist’s view is that low-income countries won’t be able to take advantage of new technologies due to a lack of skills and capabilities. Data on the employment consequences of participation in global value chains in low-income countries reveal findings that are more in line with the pessimist’s view – new technologies are disadvantaging low-income countries on the production side and seeing few employment prospects.