Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly shaping the future of industries and economies across the globe. While some fear that AI may replace vast numbers of jobs, experts argue that most jobs can remain safe if AI is used to augment, not automate, human capabilities. Dr. Erik Brynjolfsson, a leading voice in the digital economy and professor at Stanford University, highlighted this crucial distinction during a panel titled “Keeping AI on Track” at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils (AMGFC24) in Dubai.
AI: The Next General Purpose Technology
Describing AI as the most influential technology since the Watt steam engine, Dr. Brynjolfsson emphasized that AI should be seen as a general purpose technology (GPT)—a force capable of driving continuous improvement across industries. Like electricity and steam power, AI has the potential to revolutionize economies. But instead of replacing workers, AI could be used to transform the way we perform tasks within jobs.
“A job is a bundle of different tasks,” Dr. Brynjolfsson explained. He shared examples like the role of radiologists, where AI’s superior image recognition ability was once expected to displace professionals. However, AI has instead helped radiologists by assisting in image interpretation while leaving more human-centered tasks—like patient sedation—intact. The demand for radiologists actually tripled between 2016 and 2022 despite advancements in AI image recognition.
The Data Behind AI’s Impact
Brynjolfsson presented data from the U.S. workforce showing that 80% of workers will see at least 10% of their tasks affected by AI. However, only 19% of workers may face 50% of their tasks being impacted, especially in highly skilled and well-paid jobs like those in the medical field.
AI’s Impact on U.S. Workforce Tasks |
Percentage of Workers Affected |
|---|---|
At least 10% of tasks impacted |
80% |
50% of tasks or more impacted |
19% |
This paints a more optimistic picture for AI’s role in the future of work: instead of rendering jobs obsolete, AI will take over repetitive or data-intensive tasks, allowing humans to focus on tasks requiring judgment, creativity, and personal interaction.
The Case for Augmentation Over Automation
One of the core messages of Brynjolfsson’s talk was the need for businesses and policymakers to focus on augmentation rather than automation. He criticized the overemphasis on automating jobs, a common theme in discussions about AI, noting that the real opportunity lies in using AI to enhance what people can do.
“There are too many CEOs and policymakers looking at AI purely through the lens of automation,” he stated. “But the bigger opportunity is in augmentation—using AI to increase what people can do.”
By automating certain aspects of jobs, AI can free up human workers to concentrate on the more complex, creative, and emotionally demanding tasks that machines cannot easily handle. This focus on augmentation can drive tremendous business transformation and unlock new levels of productivity across industries.
- AI as an assistant: Automating repetitive or data-driven tasks.
- Humans for human tasks: Focus on creativity, decision-making, and interpersonal interactions.
- Radiology example: AI supports image analysis, while radiologists focus on patient care.
Preparing for the Business Transformation Driven by AI
As AI continues to evolve, businesses and governments need to prepare for a massive transformation. Dr. Brynjolfsson emphasized that the next decade will see AI driving changes in how industries operate, with far-reaching impacts on business models, workforce dynamics, and even education systems.
Policymakers, in particular, need to stay ahead of these changes, ensuring that the future workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-enhanced environment. Retraining programs, digital literacy initiatives, and lifelong learning opportunities will be essential to ensure that workers are prepared for the new tasks AI will create.
At the same time, organizations must adopt a forward-thinking approach, integrating AI in a way that boosts human potential rather than eliminating jobs. This requires investment in both technology and people, fostering a culture of innovation that welcomes AI as a tool for collaboration rather than competition.
Dubai at the Forefront of AI Discussions
Dubai, a growing global hub for technological advancement, hosted the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils for the second consecutive year. The event, organized by the World Economic Forum (WEF), brought together over 700 participants from 80 countries, including thought leaders, policymakers, business executives, and researchers. The discussions at AMGFC24, including Brynjolfsson’s panel, are expected to influence the agenda for the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos in January 2024.
Since its launch in 2008, the Global Future Councils have served as a platform to examine trends shaping the future of humanity, including AI, climate change, and sustainability. The 2024 edition features 30 councils and over 12,000 participants discussing the most critical issues of our time, with AI being a dominant topic of discussion.
Looking Forward: The Future of AI and Human Work
As the world adapts to the advancements in AI, experts like Dr. Brynjolfsson are calling for a balanced approach that prioritizes human augmentation over automation. While AI will continue to transform industries and redefine the nature of work, it presents an opportunity to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them.
With proper planning and foresight, AI could lead to more fulfilling jobs where technology handles routine tasks, and humans are free to focus on what we do best—innovating, problem-solving, and connecting with others. This next phase of the digital revolution requires policymakers, businesses, and workers alike to work together, ensuring that AI remains a tool for progress, not disruption.
