Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a topic of both fascination and concern, with many speculating about its potential to revolutionize the workplace but with problems that it could replace human jobs.
However, a recent Digital Futures at Work Research Center (Digit) survey suggests that the AI revolution may still be far-fetched for the workplace.
It also sheds light on the current state of AI adoption in the UK and raises questions about the risks and opportunities associated with this technological advancement.
Investing in AI Technologies
The survey reveals that over the past five years, only 36% of UK employers have turned to AI-enabled technologies such as industrial robots, chatbots, smart assistants, and cloud computing.
That suggests a growing divide between organizations that have embraced these digital technologies and those that have yet to. Surprisingly, the data shows that only 10% of employers who have yet to invest in AI technologies are planning to do so in the next two years.
Furthermore, the survey brings attention to a worrisome issue regarding skills. Despite 75% of employers facing difficulty in finding individuals with the necessary skills, less than 10% anticipate the need for digital skills training in the near future.
Nearly 60% of employers also state that their employees have yet to receive any formal digital skills training in the past year.
Professor Mark Stuart, the leading researcher from the University of Leeds, emphasized the importance of addressing the insufficient investment by employers in digital technologies and digital skills training.
He urged policymakers to steer away from the exaggerated narrative surrounding the rapid transformation of the labor market through AI-enabled technologies. Instead, he called for a focus on the present challenges and urged against succumbing to fears and speculation.
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'Not Happening Quite Yet'
"The workplace AI revolution is not happening quite yet. Policymakers will need to address both low employer investment in digital technologies and low investment in digital skills, if the UK economy is to realize the potential benefits of digital transformation," Stuart said in a statement.
Stijn Broecke, a senior economist at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), echoed the necessity for a discussion based on evidence when considering the impact of digital technologies.
The survey identifies improving efficiency, productivity, and product/service quality as the main motivations for investing in AI-powered technologies. On the other hand, reasons for non-investment include AI's perceived irrelevance to business activities, broader business risks, and the specific skills demanded.
Contrary to popular fears of job losses due to AI adoption, the survey found little evidence to support this claim. The survey revealed that companies embracing digital technologies were more likely to experience growth in their workforce during the five-year period preceding the survey.
In their efforts to keep up with the swift technological progress, policymakers are urged by the researchers to depend on evidence-based decision-making over succumbing to unfounded fears and anecdotal narratives.
The survey researchers strongly advocate for politicians to focus their attention on the tangible outcomes of AI in the workplace.
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