Lecture Introduction

This lecture will discuss the complex relationship between the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and macro-level employment. Against the backdrop of slowing economic growth, there exists a paradox in the global macro-level job market: although the unemployment rate continues to remain historically low, labor shortages persist across various industries, occupations, and markets of all skill levels. Emerging technologies like generative AI are seen as a partial solution to this employment paradox, although not all positions will benefit from it.

The lecture will first outline the industries and occupations currently facing the most severe talent shortages, and then delve into whether these shortages are short-term issues or long-term trends, and the potential industry change they may cause. It will further elucidate how the development of generative AI technology impacts the current talent shortage situation, which industries and occupations stand to benefit, and which positions may face the risk of elimination. Finally, the lecture will discuss the challenges and responses that technological changes may bring to specific groups of workers and employers.

The aim of this lecture is to provide participants with a platform for an in-depth understanding and discussion of the current labor market situation and future trends under the backdrop of the rapid development of AI technology, and to offer insights into how to effectively address talent shortages and labor market inequalities in the era of new technology.

Speaker:

Ekkehard Ernst

Speaker Profile:

Ekkehard Ernst is Chief Macro-economist at the International Labour Organization where he signs responsible for flagship reports on global labour market developments such as ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook Trends report. He publishes regularly on the implications of artificial intelligence, demographic change and globalization for the future of work, including in developing countries, as well as on the transition to a sustainable society. His latest publications focus on developing solutions for a Just Transition in a world of labour shortages where he focuses on innovations that help mobilise resources to accelerate the UN Sustainable Development Goals agenda.

Ekkehard has international experience at the OECD and the European Central Bank. He is member of various advisory boards, including the European Parliament’s International Advisory Board of the Science and Technology Committee, the UK’s Productivity Insight Network, Pillars, CEPS, The Conference Board, and the Economists Network of the German Ministry of Collaboration and Development. He holds a PhD from the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (Paris).

Language:

English

Date and Time:

March 20, 2024 (Wednesday)

15:00-17:00 in Beijing time

Venue:

Room 343, Qiushi Building, Renmin University of China

Moderator:

Zhang Hao

Associate Professor, School of Labor and Human Resources, RUC

Discussants:

Zhao Zhong

Dean and Professor, School of Labor and Human Resources, RUC

Zhou Guangsu

Associate Professor, School of Labor and Human Resources, RUC