Which professions are most threatened by neural networks?

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has uncovered that Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is more inclined to enhance employment prospects by automating specific tasks rather than eradicating entire job roles. The study, titled "Generative AI and Jobs: A Global Analysis of Potential Effects on Job Quantity and Quality," challenges the prevailing fears of job displacement due to automation.

The study posits that the majority of job sectors and industries are poised for partial automation, creating a scenario where Generative AI, exemplified by innovations like chatGPT, acts as a complementary force rather than a complete replacement. The transformative impact of this technology is projected to revolve around altering the nature of jobs, particularly concerning work intensity and autonomy.

Notably, the research identifies clerical work as the category with the highest technological susceptibility, with nearly 25% of tasks facing significant exposure and over 50% experiencing moderate-level exposure. Conversely, in professional roles such as management, technical fields, and professions, only a fraction of responsibilities is deemed highly vulnerable, while around 25% face moderate exposure levels.

With a global scope, the study highlights distinct ramifications across nations with varying development statuses, attributed to existing economic structures and technological disparities. In high-income nations, about 5.5% of total employment faces potential automation consequences. Conversely, the risk in low-income countries is minimal, affecting only around 0.4% of jobs. However, the prospects for job augmentation remain uniform across nations, indicating that strategic policies could render transformative benefits for developing economies.

Interestingly, the study reveals disparate impacts on men and women, with a considerably higher proportion of female employment at stake due to automation – more than double that of male employment. This discrepancy is rooted in the overrepresentation of women in clerical roles, especially within middle and high-income countries. Consequently, the emergence of Generative AI might hinder the emergence of certain clerical jobs in lower-income nations, which traditionally served as significant sources of female employment during economic development.

The report ultimately underscores that the sociopolitical repercussions of Generative AI's integration hinge on effective management of its proliferation. It advocates for the formulation of policies that guide a methodical, equitable, and consultative transition. Central to this process are factors such as empowering worker voices, facilitating skills training, and ensuring robust social protection mechanisms. Neglecting these aspects could lead to a scenario where only a select few well-prepared countries and stakeholders reap the benefits of this innovative technology.

The authors of the study emphasize that the outcomes of the technological transition are far from predetermined. Human agency plays a pivotal role in incorporating these technologies, necessitating a conscientious approach to oversee the transitional process.