The development of artificial intelligence (AI) will have consequences for 40% of jobs around the world, especially in advanced economies, the director general of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlighted on Sunday.
“Around the world, 40% of jobs will be affected. And this will be the case the more qualified the job. Therefore, for advanced economies and some emerging countries, 60% of jobs will be affected”, declared Kristalina Georgieva.
In an interview with the news agency France-Presse (AFP), the director clarified that the impacts mentioned are not necessarily negative, as they could also result in an “increase in income”.
The data comes from a report released by the IMF ahead of the World Economic Forum meetings in Davos, which begin today in the Swiss alpine resort.
The document warns that AI could worsen wage inequalities, particularly harming the middle class, while workers with already high incomes could see their salaries “increase more than the proportion” of productivity gains with this technology.
“It is certain that there will be an impact,” said Georgieva, noting that AI could eliminate some jobs and improve others. The leader argued that the priority should be to help affected workers and “share productivity gains”.
According to the report, Singapore, the United States and Canada are the countries that are best prepared so far for AI integration.
“We must focus on the lowest income countries”, highlighted the IMF director general, who expressed concern about the risk of school dropout in the poorest states.
“We must act quickly, enabling them to seize the opportunities offered by AI. The real issue will be to put aside fears about AI to focus on how to get the best benefit for everyone”, insisted Georgieva.
Especially because, in a context of slowing global growth, elements capable of increasing productivity are “desperately” needed, argued the leader
“AI can be scary, but it can also be a huge opportunity for everyone,” concluded Georgieva.
Comments