Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work – EC Library Guide: Selected publications

Selected think tank publications

AI and the future of work: Linking generative AI with social, economic, and labour market policies
Grossi, T., Torchio, G. and Técourt, A., European Policy Centre , 2024.

The rise of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has prompted widespread discussion on its potential to increase productivity while severely affecting labour markets. In Europe, there has been a huge focus on AI’s potential impact on blue and white-collar jobs, knowledge work, and the creative industry. In response, the EU recently approved the AI Act, the first comprehensive regulation related to Artificial Intelligence. This regulation aims to counter the most pressing risks associated with the rise of these new technologies. The authors of this Discussion Paper illustrate the potential of generative AI to affect blue and white-collar workers by catalysing automation, augmentation, and ‘platformisation’ dynamics. Their research aims to promote a constructive dialogue, tackling generative AI’s impact on the workforce and labour markets from an intersectional perspective. They put forward concrete policy recommendations to ensure a successful and fair uptake of AI in Europe. Specifically, this Discussion Paper outlines the need to: a) Research further the interplay of structural inequalities and the fair distribution of the benefits brought about by AI. b) Improve social dialogue ahead of and during the adoption of AI. c)Encourage employers to invest in inclusive upskilling and reskilling programmes for their employees.
AI at work
Nurski, L., CEPS (Centre for European Policy Studies), 2024.

To better understand AI’s possible impact on jobs and employment, a task perspective is a good starting point – it provides insights into the automation potential of the current task content of occupations. However, it isn’t sufficient for a holistic understanding because it ignores several important concepts that lie in between individual tasks and labour market outcomes. Jobs, processes and organisations mediate technology’s impact on workers which is not captured by the task model of the labour market.
more...less...
With an exceptionally strong in-house research capacity and an extensive network of partner institutes throughout the world, CEPS has amply demonstrated its ability to anticipate trends and to analyse policy questions well before they become topics of general discussion. At CEPS, researchers conduct policy research across a diverse array of areas: from finance, migration, asylum, and borders to economic and monetary affairs, employment, social affairs and inclusion, as well as foreign and security policy, energy and climate change, AI, digitalisation and innovation, human rights and justice, taxation, and trade.
Artificial intelligence adoption in the public sector: A case study
Nurski, L., Bruegel, 2023.

This case study illustrates the drivers of and barriers to artificial intelligence adoption by organisations, and acceptance of AI by workers in the public sector. Several factors were crucial in the successful adoption of a human-centred approach to AI, including a fast discovery phase that involved workers (or end users) in the development early on, and aligning human resources, information technology and business processes. Subsidy support mechanisms were also specifically targeted and acquired to support the adoption.
more...less...
Making AI support available to workers proved insufficient to ensure its widespread usage throughout the organisation. The slow adaptation of existing work processes and legacy IT systems was a barrier to the optimal usage of the technology. Moreover, the usefulness of the technology depended on both the task routineness and worker experience, thereby necessitating a rethinking of the work division between technology and workers, and between junior and senior workers. Successful human-centred roll-out of AI in Europe will therefore depend on the availability of, or investments in, complementary intangible organisational capital. Very little is currently known about these investments.
Going beyond the AI Act: Time for a more holistic approach across Europe?
Grossi, T., Torchio, G. and Técourt, A., European Policy Centre , 2024.

This Policy Brief builds on previous research on the transformative potential of progressive AI integration in the workplace, concluding that augmentation is more likely than automation. The focus of further research on the subject has now shifted to assessing Europe’s AI competitiveness. In this research, Europe’s strengths and weaknesses are explored. In particular, issues such as insufficient funding, lack of skills and brain drain are discussed. Weaknesses are highlighted in Europe’s AI strategy and opportunities for improved pan-European collaboration. The Brief concludes with concrete policy recommendations.
Künstliche Intelligenz - Bessere Entlohnung durch Produktivitätsbooster?
Büchel, J. and Monsef, R., IW-Trends, (2), Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft, 2024.

Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) wird bereits vielfältig von Unternehmen und in der Gesellschaft eingesetzt. Auswirkungen auf die Arbeitswelt werden dabei kontrovers diskutiert: Auf der einen Seite stehen mögliche Produktivitätszuwächse durch KI-Anwendungen, auf der anderen Seite die Sorgen der Beschäftigten, dass KI ihre Arbeitsplätze ersetzen könnte. Deshalb kann gerade die Perspektive der Beschäftigten mehr Klarheit dazu bringen, welche Effekte KI konkret auf ihre Arbeitssituation haben kann. Auswertungen des Sozio-oekonomischen Panels zeigen, dass 37 Prozent der Beschäftigten in Deutschland im Jahr 2020 mit KI-Anwendungen arbeiten. KI-Beschäftigte sind häufig männlich, im Alter von 18 bis 44 Jahren und haben oftmals einen Meister-, Fachhochschul- oder Universitätsabschluss. Sie äußern seltener Sorgen, mit dem technischen Fortschritt nicht mithalten zu können, und mehr Sorgen, dass ihre beruflichen Qualifikationen abgewertet werden könnten. Eine multivariate Analyse zeigt, dass die Bruttostundenlöhne von KI-Beschäftigten durchschnittlich um 4 Prozent höher sind als bei Beschäftigten ohne KI-Nutzung. Dies gilt unabhängig davon, ob Beschäftigte intensiv oder weniger intensiv mit KI-Anwendungen arbeiten. Im Gegensatz zu früheren technologischen Neuerungen, von denen besonders Hochqualifizierte profitieren konnten, zeigt sich der positive Zusammenhang zwischen Lohnhöhe und KI-Nutzung für alle Bildungsgruppen.
Resisting or rebooting the rise of the robots?
Poli, E. and Küsters, A., Centrum für Europäische Politik, 2024.

Artificial intelligence (AI) will revolutionise the world of work. While earlier technological advances enhanced the skills of employees and thus increased their productivity, so-called generative AI will irreversibly destroy entire job profiles. The Centre for European Policy (cep) has conducted a meta-analysis of empirical studies. According to the study, around 20 million workers in the EU would lose their jobs in the short term - accompanied by social unrest - if precautions are not taken quickly in view of AI’s exponential development.