A report from the Polish Economic Institute (PIE) offers an in-depth analysis of the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the Polish labor market. This article will discuss the key findings of the report, with a focus on which professions are most susceptible to automation and what consequences AI development might hold for Polish society and the economy.
Table of Contents
Will AI Really Take Our Jobs?
Concerns about AI’s impact on jobs are not unfounded. PIE estimates that around 3.68 million Poles work in jobs most susceptible to changes driven by AI, representing approximately 22% of total employment in Poland. “Jobs especially vulnerable to AI include those requiring higher qualifications, such as finance, law, programming, and some government positions,” the report notes. These positions, often characterized by cognitive and non-standard tasks, may be partially replaced by technology, creating uncertainty among specialists.
AI and the Labor Market: Shifting Employment and Career Challenges
AI-driven automation may lead to the simplification or complete elimination of tasks traditionally performed by humans, increasing pressure to acquire new skills or reskill. “AI can streamline or eliminate some tasks while boosting productivity for certain workers, requiring them to develop new competencies,” the report’s authors explain. For many, however, this could mean the challenge of reskilling, which is not always easy or feasible.
AI and Our Work: Sectoral Differences in AI Exposure
The PIE report indicates that AI does not pose equal risks across all industries. The service, finance, and administrative sectors are most vulnerable to automation, where information processing and repetitive tasks may be automated. Particularly exposed are jobs like programmers, data analysts, finance professionals, and lawyers. Conversely, physical jobs—such as simple manual labor or agriculture—are least threatened by AI.
AI Will Take Jobs: Women and Educated Workers – Groups More Exposed to AI
The report highlights that AI is likely to impact jobs held by educated individuals and women more significantly. This stems partly from the fact that AI greatly affects industries where women constitute a larger share of the workforce. “Women are more often employed in roles at higher risk of AI impact, which may result from their lower participation in physical jobs and higher education levels,” the authors note.
AI and Growing Inequality
Automation could exacerbate economic inequality. Skilled workers who adapt more easily to new technologies may gain an advantage, while those performing routine tasks could face greater risk of job loss. “AI may contribute to income inequality, as some technologies favor better-educated workers while limiting opportunities for those in repetitive roles,” the report emphasizes.
Residence and Access to Technology
Data from the report suggests that jobs in regions with a higher concentration of urban areas, such as Mazovia, Pomerania, and Lesser Poland, are more susceptible to automation compared to jobs in regions with lower technological saturation. In provinces like Lublin, Świętokrzyskie, and Kuyavian-Pomeranian, there is a lower risk of AI impact on employment. Consequently, AI may deepen regional inequalities.
Will AI Create New Jobs?
The optimistic side of the analysis suggests that AI may also help create new jobs. According to PIE data, 25.8% of Poles believe AI could positively impact employment growth, although 33.4% express concerns about the negative effects of automation. Experts suggest that adapting the education and professional development systems will be key to helping workers acquire the new competencies needed in the future job market.
Regulatory Challenges and the Need for Adaptation
In light of the upcoming changes, there is a need to establish new regulations and measures to monitor AI’s impact on the labor market and mitigate its adverse effects. PIE highlights the necessity of implementing mechanisms to support workers in acquiring new skills. Social dialogue, involving cooperation among the government, employers, and employees, is also a critical element.
Conclusion
The PIE report provides essential insights into AI’s impact on Poland’s labor market. AI has the potential to revolutionize how some industries operate, but it also requires society and government to adapt to new conditions. Automating tasks with AI presents challenges that demand adjustments in education and social policies.
Central Europe Reviev /AKN/ Source: Polish News Agency Illustration: DALL-E
