IMF chief says AI could affect 40% of global jobs

Artificial intelligence could affect about 40% of jobs worldwide over time, changing or reducing the value of some roles and eliminating others, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said at meetings in Bangkok on October 12. She warned that young workers may be especially vulnerable if automation reduces routine entry-level jobs that have traditionally helped people gain experience and advance in their careers. The estimate covers jobs that could be augmented, downgraded or eliminated; it is not a prediction that 40% of positions will disappear. The eventual effect on overall employment remains uncertain, Georgieva said. She also said the IMF estimates that about 60% of jobs in advanced economies and 23% in low-income countries are exposed to AI, a measure of potential impact rather than expected job losses. Georgieva cited IMF research on parts of the U.S. labour market, where about 10% of jobs required AI skills. The study found a positive net employment impact in the area examined, she said, but much of the job growth was concentrated in lower-paid work.