GENERAL NEWS
The impact of Generative AI on job markets
Generative Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) will impact regional local job markets differently across OECD countries , exacerbating existing urban-rural income and productivity gaps as well as the digital divides between regions , according to a new OECD report . The OECD ( Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ) is a forum and knowledge hub for data , analysis and best practices in public policy .
The ‘ Job Creation and Local Economic Development 2024 ’ report finds that , after a decade of employment growth , over half of OECD regions had reached employment rates above 70 % by 2023 , with more women joining the workforce , narrowing the gender gap in labour force participation in 84 % of OECD regions .
“ The employment boom has also led to regional labour shortages and gaps , particularly in densely populated urban regions such as Lombardy ( Italy ) and Hamburg ( Germany ), as well as in regions struggling with population decline and ageing ,” said the report .
Against this backdrop , Generative AI has the potential to help tackle labour shortages
and boost productivity . However , the report highlights significant regional disparities in the extent to which jobs are affected by Generative AI , with the share of workers with jobs exposed to AI ranging from 45 % in urban regions such as Stockholm ( Sweden ) and Prague ( Czechia ), to 13 % in rural regions such as Cauca ( Colombia ).
“ Urban workers are more likely to be affected , with an average of 32 % already exposed to Generative AI , compared to just 21 % of rural workers . This trend could risk worsening existing urban-rural income and productivity gaps , as well as digital divides between regions ,” cautioned the report .
Regions previously considered to be at comparatively low risk of automation are now among the most exposed to Generative AI , according to the report . While technology-led automation has historically affected nonmetropolitan and manufacturing regions , now metropolitan areas , highly skilled workers and women face greater exposure as Generative AI excels in performing cognitive and non-routine tasks .
“ The rapid adoption of Generative AI is reshaping local job markets , offering solutions to labour shortages and boosting productivity ,” OECD Secretary-General , Mathias Cormann , said .
“ However , it also risks widening the digital divide between urban and rural areas . To harness its potential for all , policymakers must prioritise digital infrastructure , boost digital literacy and support SMEs to ensure AI ' s benefits reach everyone and help to tackle local skills bottlenecks ,” he concluded . n
www . oecd . org
Gearing up for Global Industrie 2025
Global Industrie is the largest industrial gathering in France . Every year , the event brings together over 50,000 manufacturers , 2,500 exhibiting companies ( both French and international ), 800 speakers and thousands of machines in operation . Rotating each year between Paris and Lyon , this year ’ s 7th edition of Global Industrie will be held from 11-14 March 2025 at Eurexpo Lyon in France . ISMR is an international media partner at the event .
“ As a focal point for France ’ s industrial strengths , Global Industrie showcases our regions , expertise , innovation and industry ’ s essential presence in our daily lives . It is the annual marker for the industry ’ s achievements , progress , vision and future prospects . Everyone can present their innovations , exchange ideas , challenge each other and be inspired by industrial trends and current events ,” the show organiser , GI Events Exhibition Industrie , explained .
Global Industrie will reflect the key themes of automation ; digitalisation ; energy ; environment ; services and processes . La Grande Scène , a new feature of the show at Lyon , will host influential industry figures and inspiring discussions , complemented by roundtables and pitches on a variety
Image : Foucha / Global Industrie .
Global Industrie 2023 in Lyon , France .
of subjects . Its Golden Tech competition celebrates France ’ s industrialists with a continuous show over four days . The GI Avenir area will help to raise awareness among future industry players by introducing them to the industrial environment , sectors , professions etc .
“ We are also launching several new spaces . The first will be dedicated to ‘ 5G , AI and cybersecurity ’, three technologies that are closely linked and essential levers for successfully transforming businesses digitally . To complement this , for the first time , we will host a Summit devoted entirely to 5G to highlight feedback from international projects , find out about available funding opportunities and discover concrete applications and innovations from exhibiting companies . A second village will be dedicated to ‘ handling , storage , logistics and lifting ’ and will feature a show focusing on supply chain optimisation . Finally , the last village will focus on safety and wellbeing in the workplace ,” commented Sébastien Gillet , GL Events Exhibitions Industrie division director .
“ Another highlight of Global Industrie will once again be the International Metrology Congress . This event brings together international measurement experts and professionals for over 200 conferences and an exhibition area . Over 600 participants from 45 countries are expected to attend . At the same time , we ' re working on creating a space showcasing ‘ Made in France ’ expertise and the ‘ Origine France Garantie ’ label . This showcase and exhibition space will highlight the crucial role played by industry in our daily lives and the importance of consuming locally to support local businesses ,” he added .
In addition to the new villages , there will be 14 key areas at the show to highlight construction , manufacturing and industrial production processes . Global Industrie also runs its own awards competition . The awards ceremony will take place on 11 March 2025 on the show ’ s ‘ Grande Scène ’. n
ISMR March 2025 | ismr . net | 7