The 2024 report, “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work,” published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, provides a detailed examination of the evolving implications of AI on productivity, workforce dynamics, and education. The report builds on its 2017 predecessor, integrating insights about the rapid advancements in AI technologies such as large language models (LLMs) and generative AI.

The report was the result of research by some of the greatest names in AI academia and corporate America. But keep in mind they are all humans with their own knowledge gaps and bias. The authors seem to have little background in open systems, quantum research, new approaches to microelectronics (including thermodynamic computing) or insight into the cutting edge AI research and innovations being fielded by great startups around the nation.

That said, the report seems to provide good foundational insights and may help shape good policy for governments and inform both individual and corporate decision-making.

Highlights of the Report:

1. AI as a General-Purpose Technology:
   • AI is advancing rapidly, driving productivity and innovation across industries.
   • Generative AI applications, like ChatGPT, are reshaping tasks and professions by automating knowledge work and augmenting expertise.
2. Impact on Workforce:
   • AI may displace certain jobs while creating demand for new expertise.
   • Job transformation will require reskilling and adaptive educational approaches.
   • Collaborative human-AI systems are likely to enhance productivity and job satisfaction.
3. Educational Implications:
   • Education systems must adapt to prepare workers for AI-driven environments.
   • AI has the potential to revolutionize personalized learning and workforce retraining.
4. Challenges and Recommendations:
   • Addressing AI biases, privacy concerns, and systemic risks is critical.
   • Policymakers and business leaders must focus on equitable distribution of productivity gains.
   • Increased investment in AI research, standards, and regulatory frameworks is necessary.
5. Future Directions:
   • Ongoing data collection and analysis will be vital to track AI’s impact in real time.
   • Collaborative efforts between public and private sectors can enable informed workforce transitions.

This report underscores the transformative potential of AI while emphasizing the need for proactive governance and strategic investments to maximize societal benefits.

For a detailed exploration, access the full report here.

Key Takeaways:

• If you are a builder of AI technologies in any domain, from Machine Learning to Neural Nets and LLMs or Robotics and Computer vision: Keep building! Go faster! We need your productivity gains.
• If you seek the benefits of a future of abundance, support the builders of AI solutions. Cheer them on!
• All of us should consider the impact of AI on our own jobs and careers. In an open society the individuals are ultimately responsible for our own careers and future. We should all consider our personal skills and ability to succeed in a future where abundance of insight and abundance of low cost services and lower cost labor are everywhere.
• The transition of society may be much faster than people realize. There may be a role for government in assisting those seriously disrupted by the transition.