AI and tasks: a reorganization of work
Mike Burt and Benjamin F. Jones point out that AI, particularly with tools like ChatGPT, could profoundly transform the nature of work. Rather than replacing entire jobs, AI tends to automate specific tasks within those jobs. For example, the writing and programming capabilities offered by AI tools affect a variety of professions, from copywriters to programmers.
Benjamin F. Jones notes that the automation of tasks by AI improves productivity and efficiency, much like office automation in its early days. According to the director of the Bank of Canada, productivity is a highly topical issue. Thus, workers who have and master these tools become more efficient, which could potentially accelerate economic growth and improve overall living standards. However, this transformation could also lead to a change in labor market conditions, affecting workers differently according to their specific skills.
Canada fares poorly in terms of GDP per hour worked, especially when compared with the United States and Germany.
Economic and social impacts: inequalities and new challenges
One of the major concerns raised by speakers concerned economic inequalities. Historically, technologies have often automated manual tasks, impacting mainly blue-collar jobs. However, today's AI, focused on cognitive tasks, threatens white-collar jobs, such as those of journalists, editors and technical professionals.
Mike Burt raises the risk of a bifurcation of wage inequalities. Workers capable of exploiting AI tools will see their skills valued, while those performing simpler tasks could be marginalized. This situation could exacerbate economic disparities if the least skilled individuals fail to adapt.
Furthermore, Benjamin Jones highlights the political challenges posed by AI. The use of AI technologies could exacerbate polarization and political instability, if not accompanied by appropriate regulations. Governments need to strike a balance between promoting innovation and protecting workers and citizens from the potential abuses of these technologies.
Outlook: opportunities and innovation
Despite the challenges, Mike Burt and Benjamin F. Jones are optimistic about the potential of AI. One of the most promising prospects is the acceleration of research and development (R&D). By increasing the efficiency of R&D processes, AI could catalyze the creation of major innovations, from new medicines to significant technological advances.
The practical application of AI is also crucial. According to Mike Burt, the real value of AI lies in its ability to be integrated into the products and services that businesses and individuals use every day. This requires not only the creation of these technologies, but also adequate education so that users know how to exploit them to the full.
To realize this potential, governments must overcome obstacles such as the commercialization of ideas. In Canada, for example, despite a strong research output, the challenge remains to convert these ideas into marketable products. It is in this transition that a significant part of the future economic success of AI lies.
(Source CBC News)
Compared to other countries, Canada invests less in R&D, which hampers its ability to innovate and attract talent to the technology sector.
In its Global AI Employment Barometer 2024, PWC notes that, with Canada facing labor shortages and low productivity growth, AI can be a significant advantage to better reposition itself against OECD countries. AI can represent an opportunity to stimulate economic development, generate jobs and create new industries. Nevertheless, it is necessary for employees to acquire new skills and for companies to invest in their AI strategies to accelerate growth.
Source : PwC’s 2024 AI Jobs Barometer reveals AI’s impact on jobs, wages, skills, and productivity
In conclusion
AI represents a major potential revolution for the labor market and the global economy. By automating specific tasks rather than entire jobs, it promises to improve productivity and create new opportunities. However, this transition must be carefully managed to avoid aggravating economic inequalities and political tensions. By investing in training and innovation, we can hope to harness the immense benefits of AI to make it an everyday ally while minimizing its risks.
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