Intelligent CIO Europe Issue 10 | Page 38

EDITOR’S QUESTION make our lives better and those who are convinced it will accelerate human irrelevance, leading to loss of jobs. It’s important to understand that adopting AI isn’t about replacing people, it’s about augmenting human capabilities. AI technologies enable business transformation by doing the unglamorous work that humans are not so good at – for example, processing huge amounts of data quickly, efficiently and accurately. The relationship between humans and AI is mutually empowering. Though industry analyst McKinsey suggests that around 30% of global working hours could be automated by 2030, AI’s part in this will be to assist current workers who will no longer be required to undertake the more repetitive aspects of their jobs. These employees, meanwhile, will focus on the types of work which are more strategic, or which require a more analytical approach. This will also require reskilling of existing workforce at a certain level. This new way of working has started to re-shape the job market. In fact, new technologies like AI are expected to generate millions of jobs globally. Going forward, this means millions of people will either switch occupation or learn new skills to support the use of AI. While AI will be responsible for significantly reshaping the job market, there is currently a gap between this opportunity and the skills that current workforce possesses. When enterprises experiment with AI, many of them are realising they do not have the appropriate skills in-house to successfully implement it. A I is changing the way organisations operate today. Developments such as cognitive computing, advanced analytics and Machine Learning are empowering businesses with unique experiences and breakthrough insights. AI is getting pervasive, from physical robots in manufacturing to orchestrating intelligent process automation in banking and financial services, there is not a single industry that isn’t touched by this trend. Humans and enterprises are undergoing a shift, with AI becoming increasingly important by simplifying complex operations and empowering businesses like never before. When people discuss AI, opinions are usually polarised into one of the two extreme school of thoughts – those who believe that AI will 38 INTELLIGENTCIO New training and skills will be needed for workforces to adapt jobs to the new opportunities that AI presents, thereby requiring new educators. AI technologies will require developing and maintaining new advanced systems necessitating individuals with knowledge and experience in these new fields. Enterprises, governments, academic institutions and individuals could all be deemed responsible for managing this re-skilling. To fill the current and future demand for AI, enterprises should create the opportunities for their current employees to upskill, allowing them to enter the new classification of workers who will oversee and manage the implementation and use of AI, with human and machine interaction. It is only with all these different groups taking responsibility that the workforce will be able to effectively develop the necessary AI skills that can drive enterprises to the next level. www.intelligentcio.com