Artificial intelligence is infiltrating numerous facets of life, from communications and marketing to exam assessment. However, the rise of AI is leading to significant changes in the labor market.
Recent studies from the University of Georgia are providing insights into how various nations are gearing up for the effects of AI on their workforces.
Prior research indicates that nearly half of today’s employment opportunities might disappear in the next two decades. Nevertheless, it’s not entirely bleak.
Researchers additionally forecast that 65% of present elementary school students will have jobs in the future that currently do not exist. A majority of these emerging roles are likely to demand sophisticated AI skills and expertise.
“Human soft skills, like creativity, teamwork, and communication cannot be substituted by AI.” —Lehong Shi, College of Education
To address these challenges, governments worldwide are implementing initiatives to assist their citizens in acquiring the necessary skills. The current research reviewed the national AI strategies of 50 countries, emphasizing educational and workforce policies.
Understanding the approaches of other nations could assist the U.S. in enhancing its own workforce preparation plans for the AI era, stated the researcher.
“AI skills and abilities are extremely crucial,” remarked Lehong Shi, the study’s author and an assistant research scientist at UGA’s Mary Frances Early College of Education. “To remain competitive in various fields, it’s essential to equip employees to collaborate effectively with AI in the future.”
Some nations prioritize education and training more heavily
Shi evaluated six indicators to assess each country’s emphasis on AI workforce training and education: the plan’s objectives, the methods for achieving those goals, project examples, success measurement, project support, and timelines for each initiative.
Each country was categorized as having high, medium, or low priority for developing an AI-capable workforce based on the detail of their respective plans.
Among the studied nations, only 13 placed a high emphasis on training the current workforce and enhancing AI education in schools. Eleven of those were European, with Mexico and Australia as notable exceptions. This may be attributed to the fact that European countries generally possess more resources for training and foster cultures of lifelong learning, the researcher commented.
The United States was among 23 countries that regarded workforce training and AI education as a medium priority, with a less thorough plan compared to those viewed as high priority.
Researchers anticipate that most elementary students will eventually hold jobs that currently do not exist, and those roles will necessitate advanced AI knowledge, which is not a priority in every nation. (Illustration by Kaiya Plagenhoef)
Countries prioritize various issues in AI readiness
Common trends surfaced among nations, despite differing AI strategies. For example, nearly every country aimed to establish or enhance AI-related programs in universities. Some also targeted improvements in AI education for K-12 learners.
On-the-job training was prioritized by more than half of the nations, with some providing industry-specific training programs or internships. However, few focused on at-risk populations like the elderly or unemployed through initiatives aimed at teaching them basic AI skills.
Shi emphasized that just because a nation places less importance on education and workforce readiness doesn’t imply that AI isn’t on its agenda. Some Asian countries, for instance, concentrate more on boosting national security and healthcare rather than on educational initiatives.
Encouraging interest in AI can better prepare students for careers
Several countries adopted a lifelong approach to cultivating these specialized skills. Germany, for example, focused on fostering a culture that stimulates interest in AI. Spain began teaching children AI-related skills as early as preschool.
Among the various actions taken by governments, Shi pointed out one area that warrants more attention in preparing future AI-integrated workplaces. “Human soft skills, such as creativity, collaboration, and communication cannot be replaced by AI,” Shi emphasized. “Yet they were only acknowledged by a few nations.”
Fostering these types of “soft skills” is vital to ensure that students and employees maintain their relevance in the labor market.
This study was published in Human Resource Development Review.
The article How the world is preparing the workforce for AI appeared first on UGA Today.