The study by the Institute for Employment Research examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and software on the German labour market between 2012 and 2019, using indicators based on patent data to show the extent to which certain occupational activities could potentially be taken over by AI or software.
Highly skilled occupations tend to change the most as a result of AI, while software primarily changes occupations with low or medium skill requirements. The potential for automation through AI is highest in the manufacturing industry, while sectors such as transport and warehousing as well as financial and insurance services are more affected by software. The study also emphasises that despite the spread of digital technologies and automation, AI and software are not capable of replacing entire professions, even in those areas where there is currently a shortage of skilled workers. Nevertheless, AI could bring about far-reaching changes in these areas. Occupations with a higher proportion of women tend to be less affected by automation. The authors of the study attribute this to different job structures in the respective professions. In occupations with a high proportion of women, there are mainly activities that require more interpersonal skills. These are skills that the technologies analysed can hardly replace.
The authors recommend supporting employees and companies with retraining and further training opportunities in order to better address potential changes in the labour market. In conclusion, they point out that further research is needed to better understand the links between automation potential, wages and employment prospects.
