By Mafe Polini* The future of work is a current matter. In a world that vertiginously moves forward due to the ...
By Mafe Polini*
The future of work is a current matter. In a world that vertiginously moves forward due to the unstoppable development of robotics and artificial intelligence, decisions made today in terms of education and training will be key for the future of the labour market. Many considers this to be a very important and serious issue. But, above all things, it is a challenge and, as any challenge, it also entails great opportunities.
According to an article published by the BBC in 2017, a few months ago there was an army of 1.63 million robots working around the planet. In Latin America, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina are the leading countries in this topic. As a matter of fact, not even a year ago, the president of the Argentinian Chamber of Software Industry (CESSI) claimed that in the next 15 years, 30% of jobs in Argentina could be affected by robotics and artificial intelligence.
Data shows major changes, particularly in the manufacture sector, where robots can replace humans in repetitive and precision tasks. Some jobs will inevitably disappear, but also there will be new opportunities to develop certain skills that only humans can have.
Like many of my colleagues, I believe that in order to succeed in the age of robots in Latin America and the Caribbean, it is necessary to invest more on human capital, on our people. Competing against machines is not an option. And there are things hat machines will probably never accomplish. We must provide our workers and students with higher level skills that enable them to effectively move around labour markets. It is not only about improving technical skills, but also socioemotional skills.
The importance of socioemotional skills is no news. Recently, Jack Ma, founder and executive president of Alibaba, spoke at the World Economic Forum on the key importance of people’s emotional coefficient to succeed. According to Ma, artificial intelligence and technology are essential, and must be an element of support for people. However, the future of work will depend on training young people on skills that set them apart from robots, such as values, individual thinking, and team work, making them enrol in activities that demand creativity, such as sports, music and arts.
Latin America and the Caribbean, just like the rest of the world, faces new challenges in labour matters. Technological advancements will continue to grow and, instead of thinking about it as a problem, we must take it as an opportunity. Human beings will continue to be essential, and specialized training will be key. We must focus on delivering skills demanded and address the gap between current employers and the region’s talent.
To learn more about this topic and participate in the experts’ conversation on the future of work and the challenges of demographic grow in cities, we invite you to register at the event Idear Soluciones del BID. The event will be developed on March 22 in Mendoza city, Argentina, and it will be broadcasted live. For more information on the Annual Governors Meeting of the IDB and IDB Invest #BIDenMendoza to be developed on March 22nd to 25th, click here.
Mafe Polini is a Senior Communications Associate at the External Relations Department – IDB.
Source: Factor Trabajo -IDB
