A new OECD report suggests that artificial intelligence may lead to net job creation, challenging previous concerns about job losses.
A recent report by the OECD, titled “Job Creation and Local Economic Development 2024,” has shed light on the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) within the workforce, indicating that while the technology is set to significantly impact various sectors, it may ultimately lead to net job creation. The findings challenge earlier fears regarding AI’s potential to eliminate positions within the workforce, stating, “the emerging tech (generative AI) is likened to automation, which actually led to a net creation of jobs despite some being lost for good.”
Historically, AI’s influence has primarily been felt in low-skilled, repetitive tasks, particularly within manufacturing and administration. However, the report highlights a shift in this trend, noting that AI is now capable of managing more complex, cognitive non-routine tasks traditionally performed by highly-skilled professionals in fields such as education, finance, and information technology. According to the OECD study, generative AI currently impacts approximately a quarter of jobs, demonstrating its expanding reach across different sectors.
Experts anticipate that AI will contribute to addressing ongoing skill shortages by enhancing accessibility to roles that previously might have been out of reach for certain individuals. The OECD suggests that this approach could manifest a more inclusive workforce, thereby altering the landscape of employment.
Looking towards the future, the OECD’ report warns against the risk of repeating the “uneven recovery” seen after the pandemic as AI continues to evolve. It advocates for enriched collaboration between public and private sectors to formulate detailed policies aimed at safeguarding workers’ rights while investing in initiatives for upskilling and reskilling.
In order to maximise the benefits of AI, the report calls for a multifaceted strategy. This includes not only identifying opportunities for AI-driven regional growth but also fostering awareness of the advantages it offers for both employees and employers. Importantly, the OECD stresses the need to improve the adoption of AI tools amongst small businesses, establish frameworks to manage potential AI-related risks, and provide tailored support for workers who may be displaced by the technology.
As industries continue to adapt to the integration of AI, the OECD report presents a comprehensive view on the necessity for strategic policies and collaborative efforts to harness AI’s potential while mitigating its impacts on the workforce.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.oecd.org/en/events/2024/11/launch-of-job-creation-and-local-economic-development-2024.html – This link corroborates the report’s focus on the impact of generative AI on job creation and local economic development, and how it addresses labour market challenges.
- https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/support-materials/2024/11/job-creation-and-local-economic-development-2024_01a245c1/Leed-flagship-PH-web.pdf – This link provides policy highlights from the report, including the impact of generative AI on jobs and the need for local and place-based actions.
- https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/fr/employment/job-creation-and-local-economic-development_26174979 – This link supports the report’s examination of the health of regional and local labour markets and the role of generative AI in addressing labour market challenges.
- https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/job-creation-and-local-economic-development-2024_83325127-en.html – This link confirms the report’s release and its focus on labour market transformations and the impact of new technologies like generative AI.
- https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/job-creation-and-local-economic-development-2024-country-notes_ad2806c1-en/united-states_6dc1b5ce-en.html – This link provides country-specific notes that align with the report’s broader themes of regional labour market health and the impact of generative AI.
- https://www.oecd.org/en/events/2024/11/launch-of-job-creation-and-local-economic-development-2024.html – This link explains how generative AI is compared to past automation waves and its potential to create new jobs despite some job displacement.
- https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/support-materials/2024/11/job-creation-and-local-economic-development-2024_01a245c1/Leed-flagship-PH-web.pdf – This link details the shift in AI’s influence from low-skilled tasks to more complex, cognitive tasks in various sectors.
- https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/fr/employment/job-creation-and-local-economic-development_26174979 – This link supports the idea that generative AI impacts approximately a quarter of jobs and its expanding reach across different sectors.
- https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/job-creation-and-local-economic-development-2024_83325127-en.html – This link highlights the OECD’s suggestion that AI can address skill shortages and contribute to a more inclusive workforce.
- https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/support-materials/2024/11/job-creation-and-local-economic-development-2024_01a245c1/Leed-flagship-PH-web.pdf – This link discusses the need for collaboration between public and private sectors to safeguard workers’ rights and invest in upskilling and reskilling initiatives.
- https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/fr/employment/job-creation-and-local-economic-development_26174979 – This link emphasizes the importance of a multifaceted strategy to maximize the benefits of AI, including identifying opportunities for AI-driven regional growth and managing potential risks.












