OECD warns: AI threatens higher-skilled jobs

The OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), which brings together a group of 38 countries that promote policies to improve human well-being, has published a report in which it analyzes the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the labor market and in society.

According to this report, AI may represent an opportunity to create new jobs and increase productivity, but also a risk for the most highly skilled workers, who could be replaced by machines capable of performing complex tasks.

“Professions in finance, medicine and law, which often require many years of education and whose core functions are based on accumulated experience for decision making, may suddenly be threatened by AI automation,” the OECD said in a statement.

What professions are most vulnerable to AI?

The OECD report estimates that 14% of current jobs are at high risk of automation, meaning they could be filled by AI systems in the next 15 to 20 years. In addition, 32% of jobs are at medium risk of automation, meaning they could change significantly due to AI. The most vulnerable are those jobs that require routine, repetitive or manual skills, such as factory workers, drivers or cashiers. However, the report also warns that AI could impact higher-skilled jobs such as doctors, lawyers, or engineers, who could face lower demand or wages due to competition from AI systems capable of diagnosing diseases, drafting contracts. or develop products.

“These rapid changes, coupled with declining manufacturing costs and the adoption of these new technologies, suggest that OECD countries may be on the cusp of an AI revolution that could revolutionize jobs,” the 2023 Employment Outlook says. to the “urgent need for action” in relation to AI.

The OECD recommends that governments, businesses and workers prepare for the changes brought about by AI and take steps to capitalize on its benefits and mitigate risks. Here are some of these measures:

– Invest in education and training to develop the skills required for AI, such as critical thinking, creativity, or problem solving.
– Promote innovation and entrepreneurship to create new AI-related sectors and jobs.
– Ensure a fair and equitable transition for AI-affected workers by offering them support to upgrade themselves, change jobs or retire.
– Regulate the ethical and responsible use of AI while protecting human rights, privacy and security.