Some countries are adopting a comprehensive approach to developing AI skills. — AFP Relaxnews
There's no doubt that artificial intelligence will profoundly transform the job market in the coming decades. But how are governments preparing their citizens for this revolution?
US research, published in the Human Resource Development Review, reveals stark contrasts between national approaches, with only 13 out of 50 countries giving high priority to training their workforce in AI.
This research analyzes the national artificial intelligence strategies of 50 countries, focusing on their education and vocational training policies. The stakes are high. Various reports estimate that nearly half of today's jobs could disappear within 20 years, while 65% of today's elementary school students will work in jobs that do not yet exist. However, not everyone around the world is preparing for this challenge in the same way.
Lehong Shi, author of the study and researcher at the University of Georgia, demonstrated this by ranking the most advanced countries in AI training. To do so, the researcher used six evaluation criteria: national plan objectives, methods for achieving them, examples of concrete projects, indicators of success, support mechanisms, and implementation timelines.
National approaches with differing priorities
The analysis reveals that 11 European countries are among the 13 nations that place a high priority on artificial intelligence training, alongside Mexico and Australia. This dominance can be explained by a European tradition of lifelong learning and larger budgets allocated to training and education.
The United States ranks in the intermediate category, along with 22 other countries that consider AI training to be a medium-level priority. "AI skills and competencies are very important," says Lehong Shi, quoted in a news release. "If you want to be competitive in other areas, it’s very important to prepare employees to work with AI in the future."
Despite these differences, there are some areas of convergence. Almost all the countries studied plan to create or improve university programs specializing in AI. Many are also interested in teaching artificial intelligence in primary and secondary schools. Plus, more than half of the countries are focusing on in-company training, with sector-specific programs or specialized internships. However, few are focusing on vulnerable populations such as seniors or jobseekers.
This prioritization reflects national strategic choices. "Just because a country gives less prioritization to education and workforce preparation doesn’t mean AI isn’t on its radar," says Lehong Shi. Some Asian countries are focusing more on national security and health.
The importance of a comprehensive strategy
To prepare tomorrow's workers, several countries are adopting a comprehensive approach to AI skills development. Germany, for example, is focusing on creating a culture that encourages interest in this technology. Spain is going even further by teaching the basics of artificial intelligence from as early as preschool.
These early initiatives aim to prepare future generations for a transformed world of work. However, these efforts have their limitations. "Human soft skills, such as creativity, collaboration and communication cannot be replaced by AI. And they were only mentioned by a few countries," observes Lehong Shi.
However, developing these soft skills appears essential to ensuring that workers retain their place in an increasingly automated professional environment. These shortcomings reflect a reductive and overly technical view of preparing for AI, which neglects the human dimension of work.
In other words, the world is moving at different speeds when it comes to AI. While some European countries are developing ambitious and structured approaches, other nations risk falling behind. Lehong Shi hopes that the findings of this study will encourage countries that are less advanced in this field – particularly the United States – to rethink their approach.
The challenge goes far beyond technical training and requires a complete rethinking of education to prepare citizens to coexist with artificial intelligence. Ultimately, artificial intelligence will transform work, but it is humans who will decide how. – AFP Relaxnews
