The AI challenge

The superior efficiency of Al-enabled robots in per- forming tasks can lead to job displacement, as they can complete tasks rapidly, precisely and cost-effective- ly. In the coming days, ana- lytical thinking will remain the top core skill. This will be followed by resilience, flexibility, creative thinking, technological literacy and motivation along with lead- ership and social influence.

- JOYDEEP BISWAS

The Future of Jobs Report 2025 manifests the transformational effects of the emerging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies towards reshaping economies and societies over the coming decade. Risks of job displacement, societal polarisation and economic downturn, particularly, for emerging and developing economies, are looming large. An estimate from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) points out that globally nearly 75 million jobs are at risk of automation on account of AI.

Another report, from Goldman Sachs, says nearly 300 million full-time jobs will remain exposed to AI-driven automation. It is anticipated that by 2030, AI and other information processing technologies will transform 86 percent of businesses, sparking the creation of 170 million new roles worldwide while making 92 million existing jobs redundant. The overwhelming anxiety among workers over displacement from the present job due to widespread adoption of AI can hardly be ignored. The AI-based fourth industrial revolution projects highly specialised efficiency-driven cognitive-intensive roles of machines to simulate human learning and intelligence. Advancements in technologies, particularly Al and information processing, and automation are expected to have a divergent effect on jobs, fuelling demand for technology related skills. It is expected that workers’ existing skill sets will either be transformed or become out-dated over the 2025-2030 period.