The European Political Strategy Centre (EPSC) has published a study on how artificial intelligence, robotics and automation are transforming jobs in Europe.
After the publication of numerous documents over the preceding months on technical and ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), the European Commission (EC) has now published a broad study of the future of work and the expected impact of artificial intelligence and related technologies.
The study, commissioned by EC President Juncker and authored by Michel Servoz, is both broad and deep in scope. It addresses the question of how current and future developments in AI and robotics will affect the economy, businesses, and jobs. It assesses whether these changes are and should be sources of worry or hope, what jobs will be created or lost. It makes recommendations on how education systems, businesses, governments and social partners can adapt to minimize the harm and broaden the benefits of the expected transitions.
The report both looks back and forwards. It looks at the digital revolution already taking effect in the labour market, as shown by the fact that now 90% of jobs require digital skills while 61 million people in the EU still lack basic digital skills. It looks at the jobs threatened by automation as well as those that have been and can be created in the near and not so near future. Apart from its uncertain projections, it argues that automation outcomes are not pre-determined but are shaped by political choices, and that fears of massive displacement are unfounded.
Among its recommendations for these political choices, it highlights as the single most important policy area the management of short-term labour market transitions. Unlike in previous technology revolutions, the challenge of automation now primarily concerns the retraining of mid-career workers. It also cites the danger that the economic impact of these labour market transformations may be highly unequal in distribution, unless mitigating actions are taken. It additionally recommends that AI ecosystems be fostered in Europe in the form of AI hubs. These should have the critical mass of funding and visibility to attract the best researchers and the support of large corporations. The study notably gives positive backing to the measures proposed for the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) relating to digital innovation hubs and digital skills.
Alongside the EPSC report, and following on the EC AI ethics guidelines published last month, the OECD has now also issued its OECD Principles on Artificial Intelligence. Elaborated with guidance from an expert group of over 50 stakeholder community representatives, the report compiles five principles for the responsible deployment of trustworthy AI and five recommendations for public policy.
The technological uptake foreseen for AI equally goes hand-in-hand with the accelerated implementation of 5G technologies. In particular, seven new research and innovation projects for a total of € 100m of EU funding will set up 5G validation trials for a broad range of vertical sectors including connected and automated mobility, healthcare, smart-cities, and factories of the future. Indeed, the latest report from the European 5G Observatory shows that European operators are as advanced as other leading regions of the world as they prepare for the launch of 5G this year.