- The IMF estimates AI could transform 40% of jobs globally.
- IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva warned of income loss and inequality.
- The IMF advocates collaboration between governments and companies to maximize benefits and minimize harm.
The International Monetary Fund estimates artificial intelligence technologies will transform roughly 40% of occupations worldwide, according to managing director Kristalina Georgieva.
High-Skilled Roles Under Threat
In a blog post-Sunday, Georgieva predicted advanced economies face higher risks from AI’s ability to disrupt high-skilled roles. Citing IMF analysis, Georgieva suggests AI could impact 60% of jobs in developed nations.
Inequality risks and urgent preparation
While half may benefit from enhanced productivity, the other half contains tasks AI may replicate, lowering wages and hiring demand. At the extreme, some roles could fully disappear, noted the director.
Comparatively, emerging market job disruption should remain less severe in the near term per Georgieva, though inequality risks persist. She urged policymakers globally to establish strong social safety nets and worker retraining programs preemptively.
The commentary adds to other institutions like Goldman Sachs and Microsoft also warning of AI’s impending workforce upheaval through automation and skills disruption. The IMF advocates urgent preparation for socioeconomic support.
Georgieva stressed that while uncertainty lingers around timelines and impact, proactive collaboration between governments and private sectors provides the best means to maximize benefits and minimize harms from AI adoption.
