Economic evidence suggests sharply divergent outcomes: AI may rapidly displace some forms of work and gradually complement others. The authors argue for focusing on how AI changes the value of human work and access to opportunity.
Key takeaways
- Evidence points towards divergent labour-market outcomes rather than either universal augmentation or mass unemployment.
- The central question is how AI changes the value of human expertise, beyond whether it creates or destroys jobs.
- Successful adoption requires knowing when to trust AI as well as how to use it.
- Workforce policy should adapt, support people who are actually displaced and widen access to new opportunities.
- Uncertainty is not a reason for inaction: decisions are needed now to prepare for the transition.
What this means for CEOs
Leaders should adapt workforce strategies to changing expertise, roles and skills, support people through transitions and broaden access to new economic opportunities.