Key facts
- OpenAI's chief economist, Aaron Chatterji, stated that Europe needs tailored strategies for AI's impact on jobs.
- A new OpenAI report identifies Germany, Greece, and Italy as having the highest risk of job automation.
- Luxembourg, Sweden, and the Netherlands are projected to see job growth due to AI.
- The report estimates 47% of EU employment will not be immediately affected by AI.
- Chatterji suggested national plans should complement EU initiatives and that government grants are vital for retraining programs.
There is no universal approach to managing the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs across the European Union, according to OpenAI's chief economist, Aaron Chatterji. Speaking at POLITICO's AI and the future of work event, Chatterji emphasized that each country's unique economic structure necessitates customized policy responses.
A new report by OpenAI highlights that countries like Germany, Greece, and Italy face the highest potential for job automation. Conversely, Luxembourg, Sweden, and the Netherlands are expected to see job growth as AI expands access to services and makes more projects viable.
The report indicates that approximately 47 percent of employment within the EU will not experience immediate changes due to AI. A further 14 percent of jobs are identified as having a relatively higher near-term automation potential, while about 12 percent are in occupations that could expand as AI adoption lowers costs and increases project feasibility.
Chatterji explained that the differing economic compositions, such as reliance on service versus manufacturing sectors, mean AI will have distinct implications for each nation. He advocated for tailored national readiness plans and a focus on AI literacy, suggesting these should complement, rather than substitute, EU-level strategies.
He also noted that EU institutions could play a significant role in identifying effective retraining programs for workers whose jobs may be displaced. Chatterji stressed that determining what works requires government funding, experimentation, and support for evidence-based research.