This article is the first in a new series from Voices, which focuses on providing a platform for global thought leaders and advocates in Ethical AI to inform and educate the voice over industry.
In this article
- AI’s Double-Edged Sword on Employment
- The AI Dividend: A Crucial Reinvestment
- The Misguided Mantra of Job Creation
- The Role of Legislation and Incentives
- The Positive Potential of AI
- A Call for Urgent Action
As someone deeply engaged in the evolving discourse around AI and its impact on the workforce, I’ve seen a range of perspectives from stakeholders in academia and industry.
One thing is clear: the narrative around AI and job creation needs a more realistic foundation.
We must move beyond vague assurances and address the concrete steps required to turn AI’s potential into tangible opportunities.
AI’s Double-Edged Sword on Employment
AI’s capacity to displace jobs is undeniable.
Roles such as data entry clerks, administrative assistants, and customer service representatives are particularly vulnerable. Generative AI is accelerating this trend, automating tasks that were once thought to be the sole domain of human workers.
However, focusing solely on job displacement misses the broader picture.
Significant job losses are a realistic possibility, and the new roles being created will be highly technical and fewer in number.
This presents a stark challenge. In my own business, ChatGPT has significantly reduced our workforce needs—we no longer require a researcher or two people in our marketing department. These are tangible impacts I’ve experienced firsthand.
I recently demonstrated to several hundred Further Education College teachers how ChatGPT could support them with creating their curriculum intent, syllabus, and lesson plans. The general consensus was that this would reduce days, if not weeks, of work down to a few hours.
Similarly, using tools like Gamma to build presentations drastically cuts down preparation time. This illustrates just how significant generative AI is in transforming workload efficiency.
The AI Dividend: A Crucial Reinvestment
AI’s promise of increased productivity and efficiency—the AI dividend—should be leveraged to benefit society as a whole.
This includes reinvesting the time saved into grassroots innovation and entrepreneurial ventures. Such reinvestment is crucial for creating new roles and markets, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth.
The dividend must be channeled towards innovative endeavors.
Entrepreneurs will continue to innovate, but with 30% of the workforce at risk, these individuals need the tools and support to create new opportunities. This is a massive undertaking, and it is essential that governments do not shy away from it. If we fail to act now, the only viable option left may be Universal Basic Income (UBI).
The problem will not simply disappear, and more jobs will not magically be created by technology that enables companies to do more with less.
The Misguided Mantra of Job Creation
The oft-repeated claim that AI will create jobs simply because “technology always does” is insufficient. This viewpoint, echoed by industry leaders, fails to consider the necessary infrastructure and policy measures required to actualise these opportunities.
The creation of jobs through AI requires strategic legislation, incentivization from governments, and a robust framework for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Role of Legislation and Incentives
For AI’s potential to be fully realised, strategic legislation and incentives are essential.
Tax incentives, subsidies, and public recognition programs can encourage companies to invest in grassroots innovation and entrepreneurial ventures. Simplifying regulations for businesses engaged in these practices can further promote participation and drive innovation.
These measures are crucial for converting the theoretical benefits of AI into tangible job creation.
The Positive Potential of AI
Despite these challenges, AI also offers remarkable opportunities for enhancing productivity and creativity. By automating mundane tasks, AI can free up human workers to focus on more complex and fulfilling activities, potentially leading to a more innovative and engaged workforce. This shift could foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, essential for future economic growth.
For instance, AI has been successfully utilized to improve decision-making processes and enhance employee experiences. AI tools can swiftly analyze vast datasets, providing invaluable insights for informed decision-making in areas such as inventory management, marketing strategies, and pricing optimization. This allows businesses to operate more efficiently and make data-driven decisions that drive growth. Additionally, AI can create personalized learning and development opportunities for employees, fostering a more engaging and supportive work environment.
A Call for Urgent Action
The conversation around AI and the future of jobs needs to move beyond optimistic platitudes.
We require an urgent, substantive debate on how to navigate this transition effectively. This includes discussions on reskilling, intellectual property protection, and the development of open-source platforms. By fostering a deeper understanding and taking proactive steps, we can ensure that AI’s benefits are broadly distributed and that the workforce is prepared for the changes ahead.
The scale of what I am asking for from governments is immense.
It is not just about minor policy tweaks but a comprehensive strategy to support grassroots innovation and entrepreneurial ventures. This approach is vital for leveraging AI’s potential and ensuring that the workforce is not left behind. The time for action is now, and the stakes could not be higher.
Richard Foster-Fletcher specializes in empowering Senior Leaders with the foresight and strategic insights needed to make informed decisions and de-risk the use and deployment of artificial intelligence in their organizations. By focusing on the ethical challenges of AI, Richard provides the guidance necessary to navigate transparency, confidentiality, and data privacy issues, ensuring responsible and sustainable AI implementation.
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