Artificial intelligence offers a groundbreaking opportunity for humans to access knowledge and learn across all dimensions. The pandemic is revolutionizing our way of working, fundamentally changing everything from daily routines to long-term strategies. Embracing the transformative power of AI requires preparing the global workforce for its innovations, a priority that extends beyond mere business objectives at Cisco. Developing a sustainable approach to power may well be one of the most influential strategies for securing an inclusive future for everyone. With over 20.5 million college students equipped worldwide, our work has never been more critical. I’m particularly delighted with our leadership role within the AI-Enabled Data and Communication Expertise (ICT) Workforce Consortium, a partnership that showcases our commitment to innovation. As leaders converge, the pressing query remains: “Can AI become a force for social betterment, or will it perpetuate harm?”
Established in April 2024, the creation of the Consortium marked a bold and deliberate step towards shaping a secure future for our industry and community. The Consortium is a collaborative initiative driven by Cisco, joined by industry leaders Accenture, Eightfold, Google, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, and SAP in a coordinated effort. We are guided by advisors from prominent organizations such as the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, CHAIN5, Communications Employees of America, DIGITALEUROPE, the European Vocational Coaching Association, Khan Academy, and SMEUnited, with our shared goal being to proactively anticipate and plan for the transformative impact of AI on ICT jobs, staff, and employers.
The Consortium’s inaugural report, “AI Intersections,” provides a groundbreaking examination of the convergence between artificial intelligence and the ICT workforce, offering pragmatic guidance for targeted training programs and skill development across 47 distinct ICT professions. The key findings from the study include:
- By 2022, approximately 92% of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) job roles examined are projected to undergo significant or moderate changes due to advancements in Artificial Intelligence.
- Entry-level and mid-level ICT professionals are at the forefront of AI’s transformative impact, with 40% of mid-level roles and 37% of entry-stage positions expected to undergo significant changes.
- As AI revolutionizes job capabilities, the significance of certain expertise will increase significantly, including AI ethics, accountable AI development, immediate engineering, AI literacy, Massive Language Models structure and agile methodologies. Conversely, others may become less relevant, such as traditional knowledge management, content creation, documentation maintenance, basic programming and languages, and research data gathering?
The promise of artificial intelligence is truly extraordinary, and the consortium is committed to empowering employees across all Information and Communications Technology (ICT) roles to reap its transformative benefits. The initial step involves identifying and empowering the development of fresh skills and training necessary for AI readiness.
To harness the potential of AI, we must develop a strategic framework that fosters an inclusive and highly skilled workforce, empowering diverse populations to contribute and succeed throughout the transformative journey. Through member organizations’ collective commitments, the consortium aims to skill and upskill a staggering 95 million people within the next decade. By harnessing the power of AI-driven instructional tools, educators can craft tailored learning experiences that seamlessly accommodate individual learners’ unique needs and preferences. By amplifying our capabilities, we can effectively democratize learning, empowering individuals to reskill and upskill in a more efficient, tailored, and productive manner.
Today’s report marks a significant milestone in our ongoing effort to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world. Providing access to the skills and training necessary empowers global populations to secure stable, community-oriented careers and sustainable families. Notwithstanding its content is also rich in visionary and inspirational insights about the opportunity to unleash human potential through AI adoption.
- Fostering a culture of freedom and autonomy enables individuals to elevate their work experience, sparking creative breakthroughs and innovative solutions while cultivating increased productivity and job fulfillment.
- As artificial intelligence democratizes knowledge entry within the office, it creates alternatives for employees to contribute and advance, regardless of their background or prior experience.
- As AI-powered tutors seamlessly facilitate upskilling through instant access to vast information and reliable sources.
- By providing alternatives for fostering innovation, enhancing productivity, and streamlining processes.
As the world prepares to navigate an AI-driven future, it is essential to equip the global workforce with the necessary skills to drive financial growth, promote social equity, and fuel technological advancements. The consequences of a beneath-expert and unprepared workforce pose significant risks, including substantial financial wage disparities, commercial instability, technological regression, and far-reaching societal and moral implications, as well as national security threats that can have devastating effects. Despite this backdrop, only 14% of organisations are fully prepared to harness AI-driven technologies, with more than half acknowledging severe consequences if they don’t act swiftly.
The Consortium’s report on the impact of AI on ICT jobs presents a groundbreaking and distinct analysis that provides corporations and employees with valuable insights into the precise skills needed to not only mitigate risks but also thrive. The AI coaching suggestions are remarkably clear, timely, and urgent.
Currently, the report serves not only as an assessment but also as an inquiry; it’s an impetus for collective action among governments, educational institutions, and industries to invest in AI-oriented training, upskilling, and continuous learning initiatives, thereby mitigating the existential threat posed by the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-driven job disruption. The AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium urges organisations to seize the initiative and support those at risk of being displaced by embracing this transformative shift. The report has been released, serving as a comprehensive roadmap guiding our shared path towards a more inclusive and advanced future for everyone.
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