A dialogue forum about AI and the future of work
The introduction of advanced generative AI models such as ChatGPT has led to widespread recognition of the significant changes that AI will bring to work and society. Amidst this digital transformation of the workplace, characterized by groundbreaking technological advancements, the critical importance of informed decision-making in the context of AI integration into business operations is becoming increasingly evident. Companies are challenged to develop informed strategies in this dynamic environment to effectively manage the deployment of AI technologies.
Named "Navigating Decision-Making in AI", the second ai:conomics Dialogue Forum brought together pioneers, decision-makers, and observers of AI in the workplace to seek answers to the question: What is needed for informed decisions when implementing AI in organizational practice?
Insights from research contribute significantly to informed, forward-thinking decisions. Therefore, insights into the research work of ai:conomics formed the basis for the dialogue.
Insights from ai:conomics Research
Insight into Business Practices: AI and the Future of Work - Perceptions of Affected Workers
AI is primarily about what businesses make of it: Whether the opportunities of the technology can be utilized and risks mitigated depends on business practices. Not only does the business case play a crucial role, but so does the people case. Dr. Marie-Christine Fregin emphasizes, "For informed decisions, insights from the perception of workers should be included in the decision-making process, in communication, and in change management." She provides insights into the research work with the partner companies of ai:conomics. As a Research Leader at the Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA) of the Maastricht University School of Business and Economics, she is the project leader of ai:conomics.
The Meta-Perspective on the Labor Market: Automation Potentials of Occupational Activities through AI
Which employment groups are particularly affected by artificial intelligence, in which industries is it used, and for which occupational activities? Dr. Michael Stops, a research associate at the Institut für Arbeitsmarkt und Berufsforschung(IAB), shares insights from research using registry data.
Perspectives from Practice: Decisions in the Context of Disruptive Innovations
The relevance of the people case is also confirmed in discussions among experts from practice on stage. Decision-makers should engage with people affected by AI implementation so that the technology meets their needs and is consequently well-received and utilized. At the same time, employees in companies should be prepared to collaborate with AI systems. This is particularly crucial for decision-makers who also bear responsibility for the decisions made by AI tools.
The panel included:
Lajla Fetic – ai:conomics Expert Board Member
Sven Semet – Business Development Executive, Assima GmbH Deutschland
Dr. Yorck Hesselbarth – AI-Expert
Mads Pankow – Moderation
If you want to delve deeper into the topic
For more insight into business practices, read our Policy Brief "Is artificial intelligence changing our future of work? Perceptions of affected workers"
If you want to learn more about observations that can be made in the labor market regarding the implementation of AI, then read the Policy Brief "On the Automation of Job Tasks: Occupational exposure to Artificial Intelligence and Software"
