According to a new study from the International Labour Organization (ILO), generative artificial intelligence (AI) is more likely to augment rather than eliminate occupations by automating some functions rather than taking over a role fully.
According to the report, Generative AI and Jobs: A Global Analysis of Potential Effects on Job Quantity and Quality, most jobs and industries are only partially affected by automation and are more likely to be complimented rather than replaced by the next wave of Generative AI, such as chatGPT.
As a result, the largest impact of this technology is expected to be not job annihilation, but rather significant changes in employment quality, particularly labor intensity and autonomy.
Clerical employment was found to have the highest level of technology exposure, with roughly a quarter of activities classified as highly exposed and more than half classified as medium-level exposed.
Only a tiny proportion of jobs in other occupational groups, such as managers, professionals, and technicians, were found to be highly exposed, while roughly a quarter had medium exposure levels.
Also, Read AI chips: UK in negotiations with tech giants
The global study reveals significant disparities in the consequences on countries at various stages of development, which are linked to current economic systems and existing technology gaps.
It discovers that in high-income countries, 5.5 percent of total employment is potentially vulnerable to the automating effects of technology, whereas, in low-income countries, the danger of automation affects only 0.4 percent of employment.
However, the potential for augmentation is virtually equal across countries, implying that with the appropriate policies in place, this next wave of technological revolution might provide significant benefits to developing countries.
It discovers that in high-income countries, 5.5 percent of total employment is potentially vulnerable to the automating effects of technology, whereas, in low-income countries, the danger of automation affects only 0.4 percent of employment.
However, the potential for augmentation is virtually equal across countries, implying that with the appropriate policies in place, this next wave of technological revolution might provide significant benefits to developing countries.
The research suggests that the socioeconomic implications of Generative AI will be heavily influenced by how its spread is regulated. It argues for the importance of developing policies that promote a smooth, fair, and consultative transition.
Workers’ voices, skill training, and proper social protection will be critical to transition management. Otherwise, there is a risk that the new technology will benefit only a few well-prepared countries and market participants.
According to the authors, “the outcomes of the technological transition are not predetermined.” Humans are behind the choice to adopt such technologies, and humans must oversee the transition process.”
