Specialists Say: AI Technology is Transforming the Dynamics of the Global Workforce
A recent analysis emphasizes how AI technology is altering the landscape of the global workforce. Experts discuss the implications of these changes, highlighting the transformative effects on various industries and job roles. The integration of AI is prompting a re-evaluation of skills and the nature of work itself.
TroibNews 
**Editor's note:**
During the recent AI Action Summit in Paris, Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing highlighted China's dedication to promoting AI inclusiveness and fostering global collaboration. This article, co-authored by LinkedIn's Chief Economic Opportunity Officer Aneesh Raman and its China Country Manager Wang Qian, seeks to amplify this vision by examining how AI is transforming the global workforce and why China's approach to democratizing innovation presents a framework for sustainable and inclusive growth.
The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CN.
**Transitioning from 'knowledge economy' to 'innovation economy'**
The emergence of AI signifies a profound transformation from the "knowledge economy" to what is being termed the "innovation economy." In this new paradigm, distinctly human skills such as creativity, empathy, and cross-cultural collaboration will take center stage as drivers of growth.
The "knowledge economy" has been the prevailing economic model since the rise of computing and the internet in the 1990s. It has relied heavily on our intellectual capabilities and technical expertise, serving as the primary engines of economic advancement.
Conversely, the innovation economy driven by AI will prioritize human innovation—rather than technological prowess—at the forefront of work and economic progress. This kind of innovation stems from our unique human attributes, which can be summarized as the 5 Cs: creativity, curiosity, courage, compassion, and communication. These attributes empower us to generate new ideas that challenge existing norms and to form new teams, startups, and even entirely new industries. While AI can enhance these skills, it cannot substitute them.
Currently, in the knowledge economy, there has been a heavy emphasis on STEM and technical skills, which has often sidelined social and emotional competencies as mere "soft skills." We are now entering an era where the demand for these core human skills is anticipated to increase by as much as 70 percent by 2030 across all professions. As AI and robotics continue to automate various intellectual and physical tasks, skills such as empathy, leadership, and collaboration are poised to emerge as the new "hard skills." The job market will increasingly prioritize these abilities, making it essential for individuals to focus on developing them.
**Generative AI and redefining the human experience at work**
The evolution of work has always been closely tied to technological advancements rather than just human input.
Historically, work revolved around our physical capabilities in agriculture and manufacturing during the industrial revolutions. In recent decades, it has centered on our intellectual capabilities in today’s knowledge economy. However, the advent of AI is ushering us into a new economic era—an innovation economy, where human innovation and our inherent social and emotional intelligence will become essential to both work and economic growth.
The remarkable capabilities of AI in recent years have prompted many to question: What role is left for humans? This perspective, however, misses the point. Instead, we should be asking what is possible for humans in this new landscape. What new opportunities arise when we eliminate mundane tasks that do not engage our skills and redirect our focus towards innovation, collaboration, and creativity? By reframing the conversation around AI's potential within your role or organization, you can unlock numerous exciting possibilities.
My main piece of advice is to embrace curiosity rather than fear. By adopting a curious mindset, you'll position yourself advantageously as long as you're committed to continuous learning and embracing this transitional moment.
**AI transforming the systems of work**
AI is instigating a crucial overhaul in the way we hire and the qualities we seek in candidates.
The labor market has historically been inefficient, particularly regarding the matchmaking of talent and opportunity. For much of human history, employment was often determined by inheritance—similar to genetic traits. Today’s rapidly evolving job landscape renders traditional indicators like educational pedigree and past employer prestige less relevant as predictors of future job success.
Instead, there is a notable shift towards prioritizing skills as the key determinant of potential. This trend is gaining traction in the job market, with LinkedIn users adding skills at a rate 140 percent higher than in 2022. Furthermore, 60 percent of U.S. executives now recognize that there are more effective ways to train and develop talent that don’t rely on a four-year degree.
AI is emerging as a facilitator of this skills-based approach, enabling large-scale skill matching. New AI-driven features on LinkedIn, such as Job Match and LinkedIn Hiring Assistant, provide clearer insights into how candidates' skills align with available job roles.
**AI as a tool for global democratization of innovation**
AI promises to democratize innovation in unprecedented ways. While AI excels in numerous domains, its most significant impact lies in enabling individuals with groundbreaking ideas to actualize those concepts.
Consider that AI is likely to trigger a surge of new businesses. It serves as a versatile tool in everyday operations for existing organizations. However, it is also poised to empower entrepreneurship on a global scale. Today, launching a business has never been easier, thanks to AI tools that streamline the process.
AI can act as a brainstorming partner, co-founder, coder, and editor as individuals prototype new products or execute innovative projects. You don’t need to have a scientific pedigree or extensive entrepreneurial background to bring transformative ideas to fruition with these technologies. Furthermore, AI may enable solutions that address urgent global challenges—from climate change to healthcare. Imagine an entrepreneur in Brazil developing a climate technology prototype without needing a full engineering team, or a teacher in rural India architecting an educational platform without any coding skills, or a researcher in Nigeria conducting advanced experiments without access to a fully equipped laboratory.
Companies that choose not to embrace change may find that the greatest risk comes not only from their peers who adapt but also from new entrants armed with AI at their core, poised to disrupt traditional business models.
**Note:** Below are insights from Wang in a written interview.
**China's AI technology for global sharing**
China has made significant strides in AI research and development, as well as its industrial applications. According to LinkedIn data, 58 percent of enterprises globally plan to utilize AI tools by 2025, with Chinese companies actively formulating AI-driven talent strategies to bolster organizational agility and enhance cross-border cooperation. In sectors such as new energy and smart manufacturing, Chinese enterprises are leveraging AI to optimize global research and development resource allocation, thereby encouraging knowledge sharing and innovation synergies.
Inclusive technology necessitates collaboration across multiple stakeholders. Chinese tech companies are taking the lead in supply chain optimization and green technology, utilizing platforms like LinkedIn to share advanced solutions worldwide. This value-driven effort to tackle global challenges—such as sustainability and equitable access—positions China as a crucial player in shaping a tech-enabled, sustainable future.
**AI technology aimed at global inclusiveness**
We firmly believe AI technology serves as both a catalyst for business transformation and an essential tool for confronting systemic societal challenges. By addressing issues like educational inequality and regional development gaps, AI can foster more inclusive solutions through enhanced technological accessibility and data-driven insights. From a business standpoint, AI contributes to progress in several key areas:
- **Democratizing educational resources and enabling personalized learning.** AI-driven recommendation systems assist professionals in remote regions in identifying customized skill development paths, delivering tailored learning content that overcomes geographical barriers associated with traditional education.
- **Facilitating regional talent mobility and skill sharing.** Organizations harness AI-powered global recruitment tools to efficiently access international talent pools, encouraging skill transfer across different regions and supporting industrial transformations.
- **Empowering professionals to navigate the evolving landscape.** Mastering AI collaboration capabilities—such as utilizing generative AI for problem-solving or ethical decision-making—is vital for transforming technology into enhanced productivity.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
During the recent AI Action Summit in Paris, Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing highlighted China's dedication to promoting AI inclusiveness and fostering global collaboration. This article, co-authored by LinkedIn's Chief Economic Opportunity Officer Aneesh Raman and its China Country Manager Wang Qian, seeks to amplify this vision by examining how AI is transforming the global workforce and why China's approach to democratizing innovation presents a framework for sustainable and inclusive growth.
The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CN.
**Transitioning from 'knowledge economy' to 'innovation economy'**
The emergence of AI signifies a profound transformation from the "knowledge economy" to what is being termed the "innovation economy." In this new paradigm, distinctly human skills such as creativity, empathy, and cross-cultural collaboration will take center stage as drivers of growth.
The "knowledge economy" has been the prevailing economic model since the rise of computing and the internet in the 1990s. It has relied heavily on our intellectual capabilities and technical expertise, serving as the primary engines of economic advancement.
Conversely, the innovation economy driven by AI will prioritize human innovation—rather than technological prowess—at the forefront of work and economic progress. This kind of innovation stems from our unique human attributes, which can be summarized as the 5 Cs: creativity, curiosity, courage, compassion, and communication. These attributes empower us to generate new ideas that challenge existing norms and to form new teams, startups, and even entirely new industries. While AI can enhance these skills, it cannot substitute them.
Currently, in the knowledge economy, there has been a heavy emphasis on STEM and technical skills, which has often sidelined social and emotional competencies as mere "soft skills." We are now entering an era where the demand for these core human skills is anticipated to increase by as much as 70 percent by 2030 across all professions. As AI and robotics continue to automate various intellectual and physical tasks, skills such as empathy, leadership, and collaboration are poised to emerge as the new "hard skills." The job market will increasingly prioritize these abilities, making it essential for individuals to focus on developing them.
**Generative AI and redefining the human experience at work**
The evolution of work has always been closely tied to technological advancements rather than just human input.
Historically, work revolved around our physical capabilities in agriculture and manufacturing during the industrial revolutions. In recent decades, it has centered on our intellectual capabilities in today’s knowledge economy. However, the advent of AI is ushering us into a new economic era—an innovation economy, where human innovation and our inherent social and emotional intelligence will become essential to both work and economic growth.
The remarkable capabilities of AI in recent years have prompted many to question: What role is left for humans? This perspective, however, misses the point. Instead, we should be asking what is possible for humans in this new landscape. What new opportunities arise when we eliminate mundane tasks that do not engage our skills and redirect our focus towards innovation, collaboration, and creativity? By reframing the conversation around AI's potential within your role or organization, you can unlock numerous exciting possibilities.
My main piece of advice is to embrace curiosity rather than fear. By adopting a curious mindset, you'll position yourself advantageously as long as you're committed to continuous learning and embracing this transitional moment.
**AI transforming the systems of work**
AI is instigating a crucial overhaul in the way we hire and the qualities we seek in candidates.
The labor market has historically been inefficient, particularly regarding the matchmaking of talent and opportunity. For much of human history, employment was often determined by inheritance—similar to genetic traits. Today’s rapidly evolving job landscape renders traditional indicators like educational pedigree and past employer prestige less relevant as predictors of future job success.
Instead, there is a notable shift towards prioritizing skills as the key determinant of potential. This trend is gaining traction in the job market, with LinkedIn users adding skills at a rate 140 percent higher than in 2022. Furthermore, 60 percent of U.S. executives now recognize that there are more effective ways to train and develop talent that don’t rely on a four-year degree.
AI is emerging as a facilitator of this skills-based approach, enabling large-scale skill matching. New AI-driven features on LinkedIn, such as Job Match and LinkedIn Hiring Assistant, provide clearer insights into how candidates' skills align with available job roles.
**AI as a tool for global democratization of innovation**
AI promises to democratize innovation in unprecedented ways. While AI excels in numerous domains, its most significant impact lies in enabling individuals with groundbreaking ideas to actualize those concepts.
Consider that AI is likely to trigger a surge of new businesses. It serves as a versatile tool in everyday operations for existing organizations. However, it is also poised to empower entrepreneurship on a global scale. Today, launching a business has never been easier, thanks to AI tools that streamline the process.
AI can act as a brainstorming partner, co-founder, coder, and editor as individuals prototype new products or execute innovative projects. You don’t need to have a scientific pedigree or extensive entrepreneurial background to bring transformative ideas to fruition with these technologies. Furthermore, AI may enable solutions that address urgent global challenges—from climate change to healthcare. Imagine an entrepreneur in Brazil developing a climate technology prototype without needing a full engineering team, or a teacher in rural India architecting an educational platform without any coding skills, or a researcher in Nigeria conducting advanced experiments without access to a fully equipped laboratory.
Companies that choose not to embrace change may find that the greatest risk comes not only from their peers who adapt but also from new entrants armed with AI at their core, poised to disrupt traditional business models.
**Note:** Below are insights from Wang in a written interview.
**China's AI technology for global sharing**
China has made significant strides in AI research and development, as well as its industrial applications. According to LinkedIn data, 58 percent of enterprises globally plan to utilize AI tools by 2025, with Chinese companies actively formulating AI-driven talent strategies to bolster organizational agility and enhance cross-border cooperation. In sectors such as new energy and smart manufacturing, Chinese enterprises are leveraging AI to optimize global research and development resource allocation, thereby encouraging knowledge sharing and innovation synergies.
Inclusive technology necessitates collaboration across multiple stakeholders. Chinese tech companies are taking the lead in supply chain optimization and green technology, utilizing platforms like LinkedIn to share advanced solutions worldwide. This value-driven effort to tackle global challenges—such as sustainability and equitable access—positions China as a crucial player in shaping a tech-enabled, sustainable future.
**AI technology aimed at global inclusiveness**
We firmly believe AI technology serves as both a catalyst for business transformation and an essential tool for confronting systemic societal challenges. By addressing issues like educational inequality and regional development gaps, AI can foster more inclusive solutions through enhanced technological accessibility and data-driven insights. From a business standpoint, AI contributes to progress in several key areas:
- **Democratizing educational resources and enabling personalized learning.** AI-driven recommendation systems assist professionals in remote regions in identifying customized skill development paths, delivering tailored learning content that overcomes geographical barriers associated with traditional education.
- **Facilitating regional talent mobility and skill sharing.** Organizations harness AI-powered global recruitment tools to efficiently access international talent pools, encouraging skill transfer across different regions and supporting industrial transformations.
- **Empowering professionals to navigate the evolving landscape.** Mastering AI collaboration capabilities—such as utilizing generative AI for problem-solving or ethical decision-making—is vital for transforming technology into enhanced productivity.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
