Tech giants form a consortium to explore impact of AI on jobs, aiming to skill-up workers for an AI-driven future.
AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium will upskill and reskill over 95 million workforce in the coming decade in roles which likely to be impacted by artificial intelligence (AI) worldwide.
LEUVEN, Belgium (AI Reporter/News): : Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) and a group of eight leading companies including Accenture, Eightfold, Google, IBM, Indeed, Intel, Microsoft and SAP as well as six advisors have launched AI-Enabled Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Workforce Consortium focused on upskilling and reskilling roles most likely to be impacted by AI.
The consortium will explore the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on the future of technology jobs. Amidst growing concerns over AI-driven job displacement and the need for reskilling, this initiative aims to provide a comprehensive analysis and actionable insights to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the tech industry.
You Learn
a. The AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium, spearheaded by Cisco, brings together tech giants to assess AI’s impact on tech roles and prepare the workforce for future demands.
b. The consortium will focus on 56 types of technology jobs, identifying those at risk and the potential for job creation and transformation due to AI advancements.
c. Strategies for skilling and upskilling are central to the consortium’s mission, with a strong emphasis on partnerships with educational institutions and leveraging online platforms.
d. The group will navigate the legislative landscape, influencing policy debates and proposals to ensure a balance between innovation and worker protections.
e. Long-term initiatives include predicting future skill demands, promoting diversity and inclusivity in tech, and maintaining a globally competitive tech workforce.
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1. The Formation of the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium
The Consortium ensures AI advancements are inclusive, equipping the entire workforce with necessary skills for future benefits.
Collaborative Efforts Among Tech Giants
In an unprecedented move, tech giants have come together to form the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium, marking a significant step towards addressing the challenges and opportunities AI presents to the tech workforce. This consortium is a testament to the industry’s recognition of the transformative power of AI and the need to proactively manage its impact.
Cisco, leading the charge, has joined forces with Microsoft, Google, and other influential players.
The consortium’s mission extends beyond mere discussion, aiming to create actionable pathways for upskilling.
A focus on collaboration ensures that the efforts are not siloed but rather benefit the entire sector.
The consortium’s formation is a clear signal that the tech industry is taking the potential disruptions and opportunities of AI seriously. It is not just about adapting to change, but shaping the future of work in a way that supports both innovation and the workforce.
I am grateful to the consortium members for joining in this effort to confront the new workforce needs that are arising in the wake of AI’s rapid development. This work will help provide unprecedented insight on the specific skill needs for these jobs.
US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo
“Consortium members universally recognize the urgency and importance of their combined efforts with the acceleration of AI in all facets of business and the need to build an inclusive workforce with family-sustaining opportunities. Consortium members commit to developing worker pathways particularly in job sectors that will increasingly integrate artificial intelligence technology,” the companies said in the joint statement.
US: Fueling Technological Growth and Empowering AI-Ready Workforce
In an era where technological advancements and artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly reshaping industries, the U.S. Department of Commerce stands at the forefront of fostering innovation and collaboration on a global scale. Under the leadership of U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, the department emphasizes the critical link between advanced technology development, economic security, and the cultivation of a skilled workforce.
“At the U.S. Department of Commerce, we’re focused on fueling advanced technology and deepening trade and investment relationships with partners and allies around the world. This work is helping us build a strong and competitive economy, propelled by a talented workforce that’s enabling workers to get into the good quality, high-paying, family-sustaining jobs of the future. We recognize that economic security and national security are inextricably linked. That’s why I’m proud to see the efforts of the Talent for Growth Task Force continue with the creation of the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
“I am grateful to the consortium members for joining in this effort to confront the new workforce needs that are arising in the wake of AI’s rapid development. This work will help provide unprecedented insight on the specific skill needs for these jobs. I hope that this Consortium is just the beginning, and that the private sector sees this as a call to action to ensure our workforces can reap the benefits of AI.” further added U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
Objectives and Expected Outcomes
The consortium’s primary goal is to explore AI’s impact on ICT job roles, ensuring that workers are equipped to transition into an AI-integrated future. This involves creating pathways for workers, particularly in sectors poised for significant AI integration. The consortium aims to positively impact over 95 million individuals globally with skills development and training programs within the next decade.
The consortium’s plan includes the production of a report that will provide actionable insights for both business leaders and employees. This report is expected to serve as a practical guide for employers to prepare their workforce for AI-driven changes through targeted reskilling and upskilling initiatives.
The consortium’s commitment to developing worker pathways and training programs is a testament to the proactive steps being taken to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the workplace.
The consortium’s report will provide actionable insights for business leaders and employees, with a focus on practical guidance for preparing the workforce for AI-driven environments. This guidance will be crucial in reskilling and upskilling initiatives, which are essential for the future of work in the digital economy.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Consortium Name | AI-Enabled Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Workforce Consortium |
| Objective | Upskill and reskill over 95 million individuals globally over the next 10 years in roles impacted by AI |
| Advisors | Six advisors involved |
| Initiative Catalyst | U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council’s (TTC) Talent for Growth Task Force |
| Phase One Focus | Evaluate the impact of AI on 56 ICT job roles and provide training recommendations for 80% of the top 45 ICT job titles (Feb 2023-Feb 2024) in the US and the top five European countries |
The Role of Cisco in Leading the Initiative
Cisco’s leadership in the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium is pivotal, with CEO Chuck Robbins at the forefront of the initiative. The company’s involvement is a direct result of its active participation in the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council Talent for Growth Task Force. Cisco’s vision is to harness AI’s transformative power to upskill and reskill the workforce, preparing them for the future of tech jobs.
The consortium, under Cisco’s guidance, includes a diverse set of stakeholders, from tech giants like IBM and Google to advisory roles filled by labor organizations such as the AFL-CIO. This collaboration underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to addressing AI’s impact on employment.
Cisco’s commitment to engaging with governments, NGOs, and the academic community is a testament to the company’s holistic strategy in leading the charge towards a future-ready workforce.
“AI is accelerating the pace of change for the global workforce, presenting a powerful opportunity for the private sector to help upskill and reskill workers for the future,” said Francine Katsoudas, Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer, Cisco.
“The mission of our newly unveiled AI-Enabled Workforce Consortium is to provide organizations with knowledge about the impact of AI on the workforce and equip workers with relevant skills.”, Cisco‘s top official said.
The table below outlines the key participants in the consortium and their roles:
Participant Role in Consortium:
| Member Company | Role in Consortium |
|---|---|
| Cisco | Lead Organizer |
| Member | |
| IBM | Member |
| Microsoft | Member |
| Intel | Member |
| SAP | Member |
As the Consortium moves forward, it aims to engage a broader range of stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and academic institutions, to foster a comprehensive dialogue on AI’s influence on employment.
Cisco’s proactive stance in forming partnerships and leading discussions is essential in shaping the trajectory of tech employment in the era of AI.
Key Players: From Cisco to Google
The AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium represents a significant collaborative effort among industry leaders to understand and shape the future of work in the face of advancing AI technologies. Spearheaded by Cisco, the consortium includes a roster of influential companies and organizations committed to this cause.
Cisco
Google
Microsoft
IBM
Intel
Accenture
Eightfold
Indeed
SAP
Additionally, the consortium is supported by key labor unions such as the AFL-CIO and the CWA, serving as advisors and providing a broader perspective on the workforce implications.
“The Consortium is catalyzed by the work of the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council’s (TTC) Talent for Growth Task Force,” SAP said.
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2. Assessing AI’s Impact on Tech Jobs
The consortium aims to provide actionable insights on AI’s impact on 56 tech jobs, highlighting efforts to address AI challenges and opportunities.
Identifying Roles at Risk
The advent of artificial intelligence in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector is poised to redefine job roles significantly. A consortium of tech giants is set to evaluate the impact of AI on 56 distinct ICT job roles, which represent a substantial portion of the industry’s workforce. These roles span a range of positions, from strategic jobs to those that serve as entry points for lower-skilled workers.
The Consortium’s analysis will focus on roles that have shown the highest job postings over a year, indicating their critical importance to the industry. The table below summarizes the scope of the assessment:
The Consortium’s analysis will focus on roles that have shown the highest job postings over a year, indicating their critical importance to the industry. The table below summarizes the scope of the assessment:
| Region | Job Titles Analyzed | Timeframe | Workforce Represented |
|---|---|---|---|
| US & Europe (5 countries) | Top 45 ICT job titles (80%) | Feb 2023 – Feb 2024 | 10 million ICT workers |
While the specific job titles under scrutiny have not been disclosed, the impact of AI is expected to vary. Some positions may experience significant automation, with a small percentage facing the possibility of job replacement.
> Most workers, however, are likely to see less than half of their tasks automated, allowing them to retain their roles with adjusted responsibilities.
Potential for Job Creation and Transformation
While the advent of artificial intelligence in the tech industry may signal a shift in job roles, it also presents a significant opportunity for job creation and transformation. The AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium recognizes the dual nature of AI’s impact: certain jobs may be at risk, but new roles will emerge, necessitating a focus on reskilling and upskilling initiatives.
The consortium’s goal is not only to analyze the impact but also to enable workers to access relevant training programs, thus connecting businesses with skilled and job-ready individuals.
The transformation is not unprecedented; historical shifts, such as the introduction of the word processor, have led to substantial retraining efforts and ultimately, a more computer-literate workforce. Today’s challenge is to ensure that IT professionals and those with less technical backgrounds can seize the opportunities that AI brings.
Here are some commitments made by consortium members:
IBM: Pledging to create new livelihood opportunities in the digital economy by 2025.
SAP: Aiming to upskill two million people worldwide by 2025.
Google: Announcing EUR25 million in funding to support AI training and skills across Europe.
These pledges are a testament to the consortium’s dedication to not only safeguard existing IT roles but also to enrich professional profiles, adding unique qualifications to the resumes of tomorrow’s tech workforce.
The intelligent manufacturing industry paradigm characterized by AI technology will assist in forming a new skilled worker requirement across various sectors.
As the landscape of technology employment evolves, the Consortium’s findings will be crucial in guiding both workers and employers through the transition, ensuring that the workforce is prepared for the AI-augmented future.
AI Workforce Upskilling
| Company/Consortium | Commitment | Target Year | Area of Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco | Train 25 million people | 2032 | Cybersecurity and digital skills |
| IBM | Skill 30 million individuals | 2030 | Digital skills, including 2 million in AI |
| Intel | Impart AI skills to 30 million people | 2030 | AI skills for jobs |
| Microsoft | Train and certify 10 million people | 2025 | In-demand digital skills for underserved communities |
| SAP | Upskill two million people | 2025 | Global skills development |
| 25 million euros in funding | N/A | AI training and skills in Europe |
Sector-Specific AI Influence
The influence of artificial intelligence on the tech sector is both profound and nuanced, with certain industries poised for dramatic transformation. The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, in particular, faces a significant reshaping of job roles due to AI. An IMF report highlights that around 40% of jobs globally could be affected, with advanced economies seeing up to 60% of roles automated or altered, potentially halving labor demand for high-skilled positions.
In the initial phase, the consortium will focus on evaluating the impact of AI on 56 ICT job roles. This assessment will provide valuable insights into which roles are most at risk and which may evolve or emerge anew. The findings aim to guide employers in reskilling and upskilling initiatives, ensuring their workforce is prepared for AI-enabled environments.
The sector-specific influence of AI is not uniform; it varies significantly across different economic landscapes. While advanced economies brace for substantial changes, emerging and low-income nations face lower risks of job automation.
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3. Skilling and Upskilling: Preparing for an AI-Driven Future
The future workforce will require a blend of AI fluency and human ingenuity, with skilled workers extending across various sectors.
Strategies for Workforce Development
In the face of an evolving digital landscape, the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium has laid out a comprehensive strategy to develop worker pathways in sectors poised for AI integration. This initiative is not just about adapting to change; it’s about shaping the workforce to lead it. The Consortium’s ambitious plan aims to impact individuals globally within the next decade through targeted skills development and training programs.
Key to this strategy is the goal of exploring AI’s impact on ICT job roles, enabling workers to find and access relevant training programs, and connecting businesses with skilled, job-ready workers. The World Economic Forum has highlighted upskilling as the “key in the coming years to ensure an equitable future of work,” a sentiment echoed by Consortium members.
The ICT workforce consortium will help upskill and reskill the workforce for the digital economy ahead.
The following list outlines the Consortium member goals:
- Establishing clear career pathways in AI-impacted sectors.
- Providing accessible training and development programs.
- Facilitating connections between businesses and trained professionals.
- Anticipating and preparing for future work trends and requirements.
Partnerships with Educational Institutions
The AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium recognizes the critical role that educational institutions play in preparing the workforce for an AI-driven future. Collaboration with universities and online educational platforms is essential to bridge the gap between current skill sets and those required for emerging tech roles. The consortium has initiated partnerships with various institutions to facilitate this transition.
- Nicole Helmer, Vice President & Global Head of Development Learning at SAP, expressed enthusiasm for driving learning opportunities and innovation through these partnerships.
The consortium’s members have committed to skills development goals, including tailored training programs that align with the evolving demands of the tech industry. These programs range from specialized bootcamps in data science and cybersecurity to advanced degrees in business analytics and education.
The formation of these partnerships marks a significant step towards integrating AI education into mainstream curricula, ensuring that the next generation of tech professionals is well-equipped to handle the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.
Role of Online Platforms and Resources
In the wake of AI’s transformative impact on the job market, online platforms and resources have become pivotal in bridging the skills gap. Online learning platforms are at the forefront of skilling and upskilling initiatives, offering accessible and flexible learning opportunities to a global audience. These platforms provide a diverse array of courses, from basic digital literacy to advanced AI programming, catering to the varied needs of the workforce.
To illustrate the commitment of tech giants to workforce development, consider the following initiatives:
- Google’s EUR25 million fund to support AI training in Europe.
- SAP’s goal to upskill two million people worldwide by 2025.
The concerted efforts of these companies underscore the importance of online education in preparing individuals for the Future of Work. The synergy between AI advancements and educational resources is creating a dynamic environment where continuous learning is not just encouraged but essential.
The digital economy is poised to offer numerous livelihood opportunities, and online platforms are instrumental in ensuring that workers are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive. By leveraging these resources, individuals can stay ahead of the curve, adapting to new roles that AI technology may bring, such as AI maintenance and development.
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4. Navigating the Legislative Landscape
Lawmakers must navigate the complex interplay between technological advancement and employment policies to ensure a fair transition for all stakeholders.
Current Debates and Policy Proposals
As the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium delves into the implications of artificial intelligence on the job market, current debates and policy proposals have become a focal point. The discussions revolve around the need to balance technological advancement with the potential displacement of workers. Key policy proposals include:
- Establishing guidelines for ethical AI development
- Creating safety nets for workers affected by AI-driven changes
Incentivizing companies to invest in employee retraining programs - Formulating standards for AI transparency and accountability
The consortium’s efforts are not just about mitigating risks but also about harnessing AI’s potential to create new job opportunities and enhance existing roles.
The debate is not only about protecting jobs but also about preparing the workforce for an AI-driven economy. The consortium’s report will likely influence how policymakers approach these challenges, aiming to foster an environment where innovation thrives while ensuring workers are not left behind.
The Consortium’s Influence on Legislation
The AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium has become a significant player in shaping the legislative discourse around AI and employment. With members that are pioneers in AI technology, the Consortium leverages its collective expertise to inform policymakers on the nuanced implications of AI in the workforce. This influence is not just theoretical; it translates into actionable insights that can guide the development of legislation that supports both innovation and the workforce.
The Consortium’s approach to legislation is multifaceted, focusing on promoting policies that encourage innovation while ensuring worker protections. Here’s a brief overview of their legislative agenda:
- Encouraging investment in AI research and development
- Supporting the creation of upskilling programs
- Advocating for ethical AI practices
- Ensuring transparency in AI systems
The Consortium’s collaborative nature allows for a unified voice that resonates with legislators, aiming to strike a balance between fostering technological advancement and safeguarding employment.
By drawing on the collective experiences and studies of its members, the Consortium is well-positioned to influence legislation in a way that anticipates future workforce needs and mitigates potential disruptions caused by AI advancements.
Balancing Innovation with Worker Protections
As the tech industry forges ahead with AI advancements, a critical balance must be struck between fostering innovation and ensuring worker protections. The integration of AI into the workforce is a double-edged sword, potentially enhancing productivity while also posing risks to job security.
To address this, the consortium is exploring a range of measures:
- Establishing clear guidelines for ethical AI use in the workplace
- Advocating for policies that support workers impacted by AI-driven changes
- Creating transition programs for employees to move into new roles
The consortium’s efforts aim to create a sustainable model where innovation does not come at the expense of the workforce’s well-being.
With the potential for AI to impact about 60 percent of jobs in advanced economies, it’s imperative that these initiatives are not only proactive but also inclusive, ensuring that all workers have the opportunity to adapt and thrive in the evolving job landscape.
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5. The Long-Term Vision: Sustaining Tech Employment in the AI Era
The AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium, for instance, aims to impact over 95 million individuals through such programs.
Predicting Future Skill Demands
As artificial intelligence reshapes the landscape of work, predicting future skill demands becomes crucial for sustaining tech employment. The rapid evolution of AI technologies suggests that all sectors, including white-collar fields, will experience significant changes in job requirements. A recent survey indicates that 4 in 5 people leaders consider skills as the most important factor for hiring, underscoring the need for a forward-looking skills strategy.
The challenge lies not only in identifying the skills of the future but also in creating pathways for workers to acquire and refine these competencies.
The following table highlights the key skills that are expected to be in high demand in the AI era:
Skill Category Examples
The following table highlights the key skills that are expected to be in high demand in the AI era:
| Skill Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Technical Skills | AI programming, Data analysis, Cybersecurity |
| Soft Skills | Critical thinking, Problem-solving, Adaptability |
| Business Skills | Project management, Customer service, Sales |
It is evident that a multifaceted approach to workforce development is necessary—one that includes upskilling for every industry. As noted by industry leaders, organizations that invest equally in learning and technology are poised to thrive. This investment in human capital will be the cornerstone of maintaining a competitive global workforce in the face of AI-driven disruption.
Ensuring Inclusivity and Diversity in Tech
The AI era presents not only challenges but also an opportunity to redefine inclusivity and diversity within the tech workforce. As AI reshapes the landscape of tech jobs, it is crucial to ensure that the benefits and opportunities it brings are accessible to all, irrespective of gender, race, or socioeconomic background.
- Establishing a fair and transparent system
- Respecting diversity and different cultures
- Ensuring accessibility for all user groups
The consortium’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity is a pledge to create a workforce that mirrors the multifaceted society it serves. By embedding these values into AI strategies, tech companies can foster an environment where innovation thrives on the unique perspectives of a diverse talent pool.
The initiatives led by Microsoft, Google, and others in the consortium aim to provide structured guidance and support, helping employees navigate the changes AI brings. This includes creating accessible learning opportunities and collaborating across sectors to equip workers with the technology skills of tomorrow.
Maintaining a Competitive Global Workforce
In the face of rapid technological advancements, maintaining a competitive global workforce is imperative for the sustainability of the tech industry. The AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium recognizes that the agility of the workforce to adapt to AI-driven changes is crucial.
The consortium’s initiatives aim to harmonize the skills of the global workforce with the evolving demands of the tech sector, ensuring that workers are not left behind in the AI era.
To achieve this, a multi-faceted approach is necessary, including:
- Continuous monitoring of global employment trends and skill requirements.
- Developing clear pathways for career progression in the AI-influenced landscape.
- Encouraging cross-border collaboration to share best practices and resources.
The consortium’s efforts to foster a dynamic and adaptable workforce will not only benefit the tech industry but also contribute to the economic stability of countries around the world.
International Collaboration on AI Workforce Policies
The AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium, with its global ambitions, underscores the necessity of international cooperation to harmonize AI workforce policies. Governments and industry leaders are urged to align their efforts to ensure that the workforce transitions smoothly into the AI-enhanced future. This alignment is crucial for maintaining economic stability and fostering innovation across borders.
The Consortium’s vision extends beyond individual nations, aiming to create a cohesive global strategy that supports workers worldwide in adapting to AI-driven changes.
To achieve this, the Consortium recommends a series of actions:
- Establishing common standards for AI skills certification.
- Sharing best practices for workforce reskilling across countries.
- Coordinating on policies that encourage lifelong learning and adaptability.
- Promoting international exchange programs for AI professionals.
These collaborative efforts are designed to build a resilient, AI-savvy workforce that can thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
What Companies Said: Embracing AI for Future Workforce Development
Consortium members represent a cross section of firms innovating on the cutting edge of AI that understand the current and impending impact of AI on the workforce. They are committing to the monumental task of upskilling and reskilling over 95 million individuals worldwide. This initiative highlights a collective endeavor to bridge the skills gap and prepare the global workforce for the evolving demands of artificial intelligence (AI) in various industries.
These statements from consortium members reflect a shared commitment to leveraging AI for the benefit of the global workforce, marking a significant step towards an inclusive, skilled, and future-ready society.
Accenture
Ellyn Shook, chief leadership & human resources officer, Accenture
“Helping organizations identify skills gaps and train people at speed and scale is a major priority for Accenture, and this consortium brings together an impressive ecosystem of industry partners committed to growing leading-edge technology, data and AI skills within our communities. Reskilling people to work with AI is paramount in every industry. Organizations that invest as much in learning as they do in the technology not only create career pathways, they are well positioned to lead in the market.”
Ellyn Shook, chief leadership & human resources officer, Accenture
Eightfold
Ashutosh Garg, CEO and Co-Founder, Eightfold AI
“The dynamics of work and the very essence of work are evolving at an unprecedented pace. Eightfold examines the most sought-after job roles, delving into the needs for reskilling and upskilling. Through its Talent Intelligence Platform, it empowers business leaders to adapt swiftly to the changing business environment. We take pride in contributing to the creation of a knowledgeable and responsible resource that assists organizations in preparing for the future of work.”
Lisa Gevelber, Founder, Grow with Google
“Google believes the opportunities created by technology should truly be available to everyone. We’re proud to join the AI-Enabled Workforce Consortium, which will advance our work to make AI skills training universally accessible. We’re committed to collaborating across sectors to ensure workers of all backgrounds can use AI effectively and develop the skills needed to prepare for future-focused jobs, qualify for new opportunities, and thrive in the economy.”
IBM
Gian Luigi Cattaneo, Vice President, Human Resources, IBM EMEA
“IBM is proud to join this timely business-led initiative, which brings together our shared expertise and resources to prepare the workforce for the AI era. Our collective responsibility as industry leaders is to develop trustworthy technologies and help provide workers—from all backgrounds and experience levels—access to opportunities to reskill and upskill as AI adoption changes ways of working and creates new jobs.”
Indeed
Hannah Calhoon, Head of AI Innovation at Indeed
Indeed’s mission is to help people get jobs. Our research shows that virtually every job posted on Indeed today, from truck driver to physician to software engineer, will face some level of exposure to GenAI-driven change. We look forward to contributing to the Workforce Consortium’s important work. The companies who empower their employees to learn new skills and gain on-the-job experience with evolving AI tools will deepen their bench of experts, boost retention and expand their pool of qualified candidates.”
Intel
Christy Pambianchi, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Intel Corporation
“At Intel, our purpose is to create world-changing technology that improves the lives of every person on the planet, and we believe bringing AI everywhere is key for businesses and society to flourish. To do so, we must provide access to AI skills for everyone. Intel is committed to expanding digital readiness by collaborating with 30 countries, empowering 30,000 institutions, and training 30 million people for current and future jobs by 2030. Working alongside industry leaders as part of this AI-enabled ICT workforce consortium will help upskill and reskill the workforce for the digital economy ahead.”
Microsoft
Amy Pannoni, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, HR Legal at Microsoft
“As a global leader in AI innovation, Microsoft is proud to join the ICT Workforce Consortium and continue our efforts to shape an inclusive and equitable technology future for all. As a member of the consortium, we will work with industry leaders to share best practices, create accessible learning opportunities, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that workers are equipped with the technology skills of tomorrow,”
SAP
Nicole Helmer, Vice President & Global Head of Development Learning at SAP
“SAP is proud to join this effort to help prepare our workforce for the jobs of the future and ensure AI is relevant, reliable, and responsible across businesses and roles. As we navigate the complexities of our ever-evolving world, AI has the potential to reshape industries, revolutionize problem-solving, and unlock unprecedented levels of human potential, enabling us to create a more intelligent, efficient, and inclusive workforce. Over the years, SAP has supported many skills building programs, and we look forward to driving additional learning opportunities, innovation, and positive change as part of the consortium.”
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6. Conclusion
As the curtain falls on our exploration of the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium’s initiative, it’s clear that the tech giants are not only acknowledging the transformative impact of AI on the job market but are also proactively seeking solutions. Led by Cisco and supported by industry heavyweights such as Google, Microsoft, and IBM, the consortium’s commitment to studying AI’s influence on tech roles and advocating for upskilling opportunities reflects a pivotal shift in the narrative. Rather than dismissing concerns, these companies are embracing the challenge, aiming to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-driven future. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of foresight and adaptability in an era where technological advancements are both a source of innovation and disruption.
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7. Frequently Asked Questions
i. What is the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium?
The AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium is a collaborative group led by Cisco and joined by Accenture, Eightfold, Google, IBM, Indeed, Intel, Microsoft, and SAP. It aims to assess the impact of artificial intelligence on technology jobs and identify skills development pathways for roles likely to be affected by AI.
ii. Which companies are part of the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium?
The consortium members are among the leading technology companies that are innovating on the cutting-edge of AI and “understand the current and impending impact of AI on the workforce”, according to a joint media statement. The consortium includes tech giants such as Cisco, Google, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, and others like Accenture, Eightfold, Indeed, and SAP.
iii. What is the main goal of the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium?
The main goal of the consortium is to produce a report with actionable insights for business leaders and workers on how AI might change work for various technology jobs and to recommend skilling and upskilling opportunities.
iv. How many technology jobs will the consortium’s report focus on?
The consortium will focus on how AI might change work for 56 kinds of technology jobs. The specific jobs are yet to be detailed as the companies are working to determine which roles to focus on in the report.
v. Has there been a response from companies like Google and Microsoft regarding the formation of the consortium?
Spokespeople for Google, Microsoft, CWA, and AFL-CIO did not respond to requests for more information on the group at the time of the announcement.
vi. What is the significance of the consortium in the context of AI and employment?
The consortium represents a significant shift in the stance of big tech companies, acknowledging the urgent need to study AI’s impact on jobs and the economy, and proactively seeking to upskill the workforce for an AI-driven future.
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