Skills empower workers in the AI revolution - First findings from Cedefop’s AI skills survey

The policy brief "Skills empower workers in the AI revolution" presents findings from Cedefop's AI skills survey, highlighting the impact of AI on the labor market, jobs, and skills. Key points include:

• AI as a General-Purpose Technology: AI is transforming economies, labor markets, and societies, with substantial growth in demand for AI skills across various sectors.
• Impact on Employment: While AI may lead to some job displacement, it primarily transforms tasks and skills, creating new jobs and altering working conditions. Generative AI can perform non-routine, cognitive tasks, setting it apart from previous technological innovations.
• EU AI Act: The EU has introduced the AI Act to manage risks and strengthen trust in AI technology, setting harmonized rules for its development and use. High-risk AI systems will face stringent requirements before implementation.
• AI Skills and Literacy: The survey indicates that about 28% of European workers use AI tools in their workplaces, with higher adoption rates in western European countries. However, there is a significant AI literacy gap, with 40-60% of workers having a poor understanding of AI technology and its implications.
• Job Automation and Redesign: About 15% of employees fear job loss due to AI in the next five years, with higher concerns in southern and central European countries. AI is also improving task efficiency and introducing new tasks for many workers.
• Policy Recommendations: The document suggests promoting inclusive AI literacy, empowering social dialogue in workplaces, tackling the productivity paradox, and fostering a human-centered AI revolution. It emphasizes the need for upskilling, reskilling, and investing in AI literacy to drive a beneficial AI transformation.

The survey underscores the importance of preparing the workforce for the AI-driven future, ensuring that the benefits of AI are harnessed while mitigating its potential negative impacts.