Artificial Intelligence revolution may widen the gap between high and low-income countries unless cooperative international action is taken, warns a new report from the ILO and the UN Office of the Secretary General’s Envoy on Technology. The report, titled “Mind the AI Divide: Shaping a Global Perspective on the Future of Work,” finds that AI is revolutionizing industries worldwide, offering tremendous opportunities for innovation and productivity. However, it is also exacerbating economic and social inequalities due to uneven rates of investment, adoption, and use.
THE AI DIVIDE: A GROWING CONCERN
The report highlights that high-income countries are well-positioned to leverage AI for productivity gains, while developing countries could face bottlenecks due to a lack of digital infrastructure. This disparity could turn a temporary buffer against AI-driven changes into a long-term barrier to economic prosperity. The report notes that annually, more than $300 billion is spent globally on technology to enhance computing capacity, but these investments are focused mainly on higher-income nations, creating a disparity in access to infrastructure and skills development.
GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS AND PRO-ACTIVE STRATEGIES
The report emphasizes the need for global partnerships and pro-active strategies to support developing nations, including access to digital infrastructure, upskilling, and social dialogue. Without these efforts, developing countries may face a severe disadvantage in terms of access to technology and skills development. The report also highlights the need for national tech industries, as well as the importance of building AI skills and promoting technology transfer.
WOMEN VULNERABLE TO AI-DRIVEN CHANGES
The report notes that women are most vulnerable to the automating effects of AI, particularly in clerical and business process outsourcing roles, such as call centers. However, the research suggests that while automation risks job displacement, it also offers potential for job augmentation, improving job quality and productivity.
POLICY PILLARS FOR A FAIR AND INCLUSIVE AI-DRIVEN FUTURE
The report proposes three policy pillars to address the growing concerns around AI-driven changes:
- Enhancing Digital Infrastructure: Developing countries need robust digital infrastructure to support AI adoption.
- Promoting Technology Transfer: High-income countries should assist in transferring AI technologies and knowledge to developing nations.
- Building AI Skills: Investment in education and training is crucial to equip the workforce with necessary AI skills.
The “Mind the AI Divide” report highlights the need for cooperative international action to address the growing concerns around AI-driven changes. The report emphasizes the importance of strengthened international cooperation, building national capacity, and addressing AI in the world of work.