The impact of artificial intelligence on employment in advanced countries
Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance by leaps and bounds, sparking both fascination and concern about its impact on employment. According to an analysis published on the IMF website, around 60% of jobs in advanced countries could be impacted by AI.
Traditionally, automation and technologies have primarily affected repetitive and low-skilled tasks. However, AI stands out for its ability to impact high-skilled jobs, raising concerns about the future of some professions.
IMF analysis indicates that almost half of exposed jobs in advanced countries could benefit from the integration of AI, improving their productivity. However, for the other half, AI could perform tasks currently done by humans, which could lead to decreased demand for labor, lower wages, and reduced hiring. In the most extreme cases, some jobs could even disappear.
In contrast, in low-income countries, exposure to AI is expected to be less, with an estimated impact of 26%. This is due to the lack of infrastructure and skilled labor in many of these countries.
However, it is important to emphasize that AI will not completely replace human workers. In many cases, AI is expected to complement human work, automating certain repetitive tasks and allowing employees to focus on more complex, higher-value tasks.
It is therefore crucial that advanced countries anticipate and prepare for this transition to an increasingly AI-driven economy. This involves training and developing the skills of workers, to enable them to adapt and seize new opportunities in this new professional landscape.
Additionally, governments and businesses must work together to put in place regulations and policies that ensure that the benefits of AI are shared equitably, and that no one is left behind in this new technological era.
Ultimately, artificial intelligence offers many opportunities, but also poses challenges. Striking a balance between technological progress and preserving jobs and human skills is essential to ensure a fair and prosperous society.