The biggest tech companies are coming together to study the impact AI is likely to have on the workforce and which jobs could be most affected.
The impact on the workforce remains one of the most controversial – and largely unknown – factors in AI adoption. Critics warn that the technology could lead to mass layoffs as workers are replaced by AI, while supporters argue that AI is intended to complement human workers, not replace them.
Some of the biggest names in tech are working together to study the issue in hopes of reaching concrete conclusions “and identifying new reskilling and upskilling opportunities.” The group, called AI-Enabled Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Workforce Consortium, is led by Cisco, with participation from Accenture, Eightfold, Google, IBM, Indeed, Intel, Microsoft and SAP.
The Consortium says it “is catalyzed by the work of the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Talent for Growth Task Force, a transatlantic task force aimed at to strengthen cooperation between the United States and the European Union on a range of issues, including AI. The Consortium says it is evaluating the impact of AI on the workforce and the skills workers will need to succeed.
Working collaboratively with the private sector, the Consortium is evaluating how AI is changing jobs and the skills workers need to succeed. The first phase of work will result in a report with actionable insights for business leaders and workers. Further details will be shared in the coming months. The findings will aim to offer practical insights and recommendations to employers looking for ways to reskill and upskill their workers to prepare them for AI-enabled environments.
Consortium members represent a cross-section of companies that are innovating at the forefront of AI and also understand the current and imminent impact of AI on the workforce. Individually, Consortium members have documented the opportunities and challenges presented by AI. This collaborative effort allows their organizations to bring together ideas, recommend action plans, and activate results within their respective broad spheres of influence.
The Consortium has set impressive goals for its individual members, including:
- Cisco plans to train 25 million people in cybersecurity and digital skills by 2032.
- IBM will train 30 million people in various digital skills by 2030, including 2 million in AI.
- Intel will equip 30 million people with AI skills by 2030.
- Microsoft will train and certify 10 million people by 2025, with a focus on underserved communities.
- SAP will upskill 2 million people by 2025.
- Google is leveraging its already announced €25 million in funding for AI training in Europe.
“At the U.S. Department of Commerce, we work to promote cutting-edge technologies and deepen trade and investment relationships with our partners and allies around the world. This work helps us build a strong, competitive economy, powered by a talented workforce that connects workers to good-quality, well-paying, family-supporting jobs. We recognize that economic security and national security are inextricably linked. That’s why I’m proud to see the efforts of the Talent for Growth Task Force continue with the creation of the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. “I am grateful to the consortium members for joining this effort to address the new workforce needs that are emerging as a result of the rapid development of AI. This work will help provide unprecedented insight into the specific skills needs for these jobs. I hope this Consortium is just the beginning and that the private sector sees this as a call to action to ensure our workforce can realize the benefits of AI.
“AI is accelerating the pace of change for the global workforce, providing a tremendous opportunity for the private sector to help upskill and reskill workers for the future. » said Francine Katsoudas, executive vice president and chief human resources, policy and purpose officer, Cisco. “The mission of our new AI-Enabled Workforce Consortium is to provide organizations with knowledge about the impact of AI on the workforce and equip workers with relevant skills. We look forward to engaging other stakeholders, including governments, NGOs and the academic community, as we take this important first step to ensure the AI revolution leaves no one behind.
If the Consortium achieves its goals, it could provide some of the most comprehensive data to date on exactly how AI impacts the workforce, both inside and outside of the workforce. technology industry.
