A new working scenario marked by technological innovation
Artificial intelligence is one of the disruptive forces that is transforming the world of work. Its accelerated development in recent years has generated concern about its impact on employment. Many fear that machines may replace humans in many tasks and professions. However, the future of work is not as simple as a replacement, but depends on a complex interaction between intelligent systems and humans. Furthermore, history shows us that major technological revolutions have created more job opportunities than they have eliminated. But can this time be different?
The effects of artificial intelligence on the labor market
According to a Goldman Sachs study, generative artificial intelligence could increase global GDP by 7%, but it would also have significant consequences for labor markets. The study estimates that the automation of tasks could affect about 300 million full-time jobs. This poses a major challenge for public policies, which should ensure a fair and equitable transition for affected workers.
Another report, published in May by the World Economic Forum, identifies as a trend the transformation of corporate business models due to digitization. More than 85% of the companies surveyed recognize that their processes will be affected by the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. Around 75% of companies plan to adopt big data, artificial intelligence and cloud computing. These technologies can increase the productivity, competitiveness and innovation of companies, but they can also have effects on employment.
The opportunities and challenges of the future of work
The World Economic Forum report also makes a prediction about the future of work, based on the application of different technologies. According to this prediction, most technologies will lead to job creation in the next five years, especially in professions related to big data analytics, environmental and climate change management, and encryption and cybersecurity. But there will also be job destruction caused by agricultural technologies, digital platforms and apps, e-commerce and artificial intelligence. The net balance will be negative, with a net loss of 14 million jobs, roughly 2% of what exists today.
This implies that the future of work will require new job profiles and new worker skills. The most in-demand profiles will be those related to digitization and sustainability, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning specialists, sustainability specialists, business intelligence analysts and IT security analysts. The profiles most likely to disappear will be those related to office work, such as administrative and secretarial staff, bank tellers, cashiers, cashiers and data entry staff.
The World Economic Forum predicts that 44% of workers’ skills will be disrupted in the next five years. Cognitive skills will become more important to exercise a profession, due to the need to solve complex problems. Creative thinking, analytical thinking and technological knowledge will also be valued. This poses a challenge for education and training, which should adapt to the new demands of the labor market.
conclusion
Artificial intelligence is a transformative force changing the future of work. Its impact on employment depends on many factors, including the type of technology, sector, country and public policy. The future of work can be an opportunity to create new professions and improve working conditions, but it can also be a risk to generate unemployment and inequality. To face this challenge, a strategic and collaborative vision is needed between the different social actors, which guarantees a fair and equitable transition for workers and society.