The IMF warns that AI will affect 60% of jobs in advanced economies

MADRID, 15 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) will affect around 40% of jobs globally, either replacing some and complementing others, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which highlights that up to 60% of employment Advanced economies will suffer this impact, while it will be less in emerging and low-income economies.

According to an IMF study, presented by the managing director of the institution, Kristalina Georgieva, almost 40% of global employment is exposed to AI, highlighting that this percentage is around 60% in the case of advanced economies, while in In emerging markets and low-income countries, AI exposure is expected to be 40% and 26%, respectively.

"We are on the brink of a technological revolution that could boost productivity, drive global growth and increase incomes around the world. However, it could also replace jobs and deepen inequality," Georgieva warns.

In this sense, the IMF report highlights that, although automation and information technology have historically affected routine tasks, a distinctive element of AI is its ability to impact highly qualified jobs, which is why they are the Advanced economies face greater risks from AI, but also more opportunities to reap its benefits.

Thus, the IMF considers that, in advanced economies, approximately half of the exposed jobs could benefit from the integration of AI, which would improve productivity, although it warns that in the case of the other half, the applications AI could replace tasks currently performed by humans, reducing labor demand, leading to lower wages and reduced hiring and even the disappearance of some jobs.

In contrast, in emerging markets and low-income countries, AI is expected to cause less immediate disruption, although he warns that, at the same time, many of these countries do not have the infrastructure or skilled workforce to reap the benefits. of AI, raising the risk that the technology could worsen inequality between nations over time.

Likewise, the IMF director also points out that AI could affect income and wealth inequality within countries themselves, as it can lead to polarization within income brackets.

The effect on labor income will depend largely on the extent to which AI complements high-income workers, as it may lead to a disproportionate increase in their wages, while at the same time, productivity gains for companies Those who adopt AI will likely increase returns on capital, which may also favor higher-income earners.

“In most scenarios, AI will likely worsen overall inequality,” Georgieva acknowledges, adding that policymakers will need to proactively address the risk that technology will further fuel social tensions.

"It is crucial that countries establish comprehensive social safety nets and offer retraining programs for vulnerable workers," concludes the IMF director.