The artificial intelligence (AI) revolution will only widen the gap between high-income and low-income countries unless cooperative international action is taken, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology warned in a joint report released on Thursday.
The report, entitled Mind the AI Divide: Shaping a Global Perspective on the Future of Work notes that AI is revolutionizing industries around the world, providing tremendous opportunities for innovation and productivity. However, it is also exacerbating economic and social inequalities due to unequal rates of investment, adoption and use.
UNDP Mauritania
Digital technologies can be a powerful driver of development, particularly in countries like Mauritania.
Low and middle income countries are lagging behind L’OIT explains that this emerging “AI divide” means that high-income countries benefit disproportionately from AI advances, while low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa, lag behind.
It is in the workplace that artificial intelligence can lead to productivity gains and improved working conditions.
Unequal access to infrastructure, technology, quality education and training, however, could lead to uneven adoption of AI, which in turn would exacerbate global inequalities.
Strengthening the digital infrastructure of developing countries High-income countries are well placed to leverage AI to achieve productivity gains, while developing countries may face bottlenecks due to a lack of digital infrastructure.
This disparity could turn a temporary buffer against AI-driven changes into a long-term obstacle to economic prosperity.
Global partnerships and proactive strategies to support developing countries, including access to digital infrastructure, continuous training and social dialogue, are necessary prerequisites to bridge the technology gap and ensure that the AI revolution does not leave behind significant parts of the world’s population.
Public Domain
Visualization of artificial intelligence combining a diagram of the human brain with a circuit board.
The importance of domestic technology industries Every year, more than $300 billion is spent globally to improve computing capacity, but these investments are concentrated primarily in high-income countries, creating a disparity in access to infrastructure and skills development that puts developing countries and their local start-ups at a severe disadvantage.
Moreover, in the absence of domestic technology industries, workers from developing countries who have the necessary skills will offer them through freelance platforms, which will create businesses in other countries, creating a real brain drain.
The report also notes that women are most vulnerable to the effects of AI automation, particularly in clerical jobs and outsourced activities, such as call centres, which are prevalent in developing economies. However, the study says that while automation may cause job displacement, it also offers the potential for job expansion, improving the quality and productivity of work.
Three pillars proposed The report proposes three policy pillars: strengthening international cooperation, strengthening national capacities and taking AI into account in the world of work.
These pillars include:
Improving digital infrastructure: Developing countries need strong digital infrastructure to support AI adoption. This includes access to electricity, broadband, and modern communications technologies. Promoting technology transfer: High-income countries should contribute to the transfer of AI technologies and knowledge to developing countries, fostering a collaborative environment for technological progress. Developing AI skills: Investing in education and training is essential to equipping the workforce with the necessary AI skills. This will enable workers to adapt to and benefit from the changes brought about by AI. Encouraging social dialogue: Effectively integrating AI into the workplace requires social dialogue to ensure that technological advances respect workers’ rights and improve job quality. The report Mind the AI Divide also calls on policy makers, business leaders and international organizations to collaborate to shape a fair and inclusive future based on AI.
Similar articles
