- IMF predicts 40% of jobs at risk from AI globally, hitting advanced economies harder.
- Urgent policy response needed as workforce faces replication and skills disruption threats.
- Collaboration between government and private sector key to support workers.
A new analysis by the International Monetary Fund predicts artificial intelligence technologies will impact roughly 40% of occupations worldwide, according to managing director Kristalina Georgiva.
Advanced economies at risk
Citing IMF research, Georgiva said in a blog post that advanced economies face higher disruption risks as high-skilled roles prove more susceptible to automation capabilities.
While the timeline remains uncertain, the IMF estimates AI could transform up to 60% of jobs in developed countries.
Urgent calls for preparedness
Georgiva expects a split scenario of workers benefiting from tech-enhanced productivity while others lose tasks to machines, potentially lowering wages and hiring demand.
By comparison, near-term emerging market job losses seem less severe, although inequality threats loom. The IMF urges policymakers globally to establish a stronger social safety net and proactively implement worker retraining programs.
Recent warnings similarly come from institutions like Goldman Sachs and Microsoft, flagging AI’s growing workforce disruption through replication and skills disruption. With rapid tech progression, the IMF advocates urgent official preparation for socioeconomic support.
Georgia ultimately stressed that while uncertainty persists around timelines and impact magnitudes, collaboration between governments and private sectors currently offers the best solution to maximize benefits and minimize adverse consequences.
