Introduction

The report Generative AI and Jobs has been published by ILO as a working paper in August 2023. The report assesses the impact of generative artificial intelligence on job quantity and quality.

The report suggests that a majority of jobs and industries will experience partial, rather than complete, automation exposure, which implies that the latest wave of Generative AI, like chatGPT, will likely enhance and supplement these roles instead of replacing them. As a result, the primary effect of this technology is expected to be a transformation in job quality, particularly concerning factors like the level of effort required and the degree of independence in tasks.

The technology primarily impacts the extensive field of clerical work, as 24% of clerical tasks are categorized as having a high level of exposure, accompanied by an extra 58% with a moderate level of exposure. The report also states that the potential impacts of employment, whether through augmentation or automation, exhibit considerable diversity among countries based on their income groups. Such income groups are highly varied as it depends on occupational compositions. In nations with low income, merely 0.4% of overall employment faces potential exposure to automation effects, while in high-income countries, this proportion escalates to 5.5%. The more significant influence stems from augmentation, with the capacity to impact 10.4% of employment in low-income nations and 13.4% of employment in high-income nations.

The study's findings indicate that the socio-economic consequences of Generative AI will heavily rely on the management of its dissemination. The working paper advocates for the necessity of formulating policies that facilitate a well-organized, equitable, and collaborative shift. Empowering the workforce, offering skill enhancement programs, and establishing robust social safety nets will play a pivotal role in navigating this transformation. Failing to do so could result in a scenario where only a select few proficient countries and entities reap the advantages of this emerging technology.

Relevance of the Report

Undoubtedly AI has become a part of our daily lives and it continues to be so at an accelerating pace as it continuously demonstrates its versatility and transformative potential across multiple industries and domains. With the launch of Generative AI, the potential is getting translated smoothly at each step. At such a time, the natural question that comes to our mind is how Generative AI going to change the job market and the employment scenario. This is where the report gives a clear indication on what is happening across the globe.

The research offers a worldwide assessment of how various occupations and tasks could potentially be affected by generative artificial intelligence (AI), and it explores the potential consequences for both the quantity and quality of jobs.

Key Takeaways

• Jobs and industries are partially exposed to automation, leaning more towards augmentation than outright replacement
• Among occupational groups, clerical jobs have the largest proportion of tasks that are influenced by GPT technology. A significant portion of these tasks falls under at least a medium level of exposure
• Generative AI possesses a neutral nature, devoid of inherent positive or negative qualities. Its socio-economic effects will predominantly hinge on the management of its adoption and dissemination
• Proper policies need to be in place so as to ensure that benefits of the transition is not accrued to only the well-positioned countries in terms of technological advancement and acceptance