New research by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) unveils the significant impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on white-collar jobs, with over two-thirds of tasks in these roles facing potential disruption due to AI. The report highlights how generative AI is reshaping jobs that heavily rely on computer-based activities such as project management and marketing. It indicates that up to 70% of the tasks analyzed could either be transformed or replaced by AI.

The study emphasizes that tasks related to organization, strategy, and cognitive analysis are most susceptible to productivity improvements from AI. The IPPR emphasizes the need for clearer guidance on AI adoption, as the technology evolves from a novelty to a practical tool.

Carsten Jung, the author of the report and the Head of AI at IPPR, calls for policies that provide a purposeful direction for AI integration, beyond just focusing on accelerating adoption or ensuring safety. He stresses that AI could have a profound impact on the economy and society, transforming existing jobs, creating new opportunities, and revolutionizing products and services. The IPPR urges governments to establish clear policies, collaborate with the private sector, and ensure that AI developments align with the public interest.

Jung underlines the importance of political adaptation to the implications of powerful AI, advocating for identifying the goals to be achieved beyond merely ensuring AI safety. In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the IPPR emphasizes the necessity of proactive engagement with AI advancements to shape a future that benefits society as a whole.