A significant share of the Dutch workforce is employed in jobs that could change substantially because of artificial intelligence (AI). De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) says this in a new report on the economic impact of AI in the Netherlands. However, the effect on the labour market and the wider economy remains uncertain. Much will depend on how companies use AI in practice.
According to DNB, a quarter of the Dutch workforce is employed in occupations where AI could speed up at least half of all tasks. If the threshold is lowered to 40 per cent of tasks, this applies to half of the workforce.
The impact varies widely between occupations. AI could have a major effect on the work of software developers, linguists and accountants. By contrast, the impact on cleaners is expected to be limited.
The researchers stress that their measure only shows where AI could support or automate tasks. It does not predict what will happen to employment.
AI could take over some tasks, help employees become more productive and make new products and services possible. For this reason, DNB says AI use will not necessarily lead to fewer jobs.
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AI could also either increase or reduce price pressures. According to the researchers, its effect on inflation will depend on factors such as the pace of investment and how much AI lets companies produce goods and services more efficiently and at lower cost.
For many people, however, the nature of their work is likely to change. DNB says employers should consider including agreements on retraining and upskilling in collective labour agreements.
The report also says AI could make the Netherlands more productive and prosperous. According to the researchers, the country is in a favourable starting position, although there is still work to do.
Smaller companies in particular need to catch up, DNB says. At the same time, these businesses could benefit significantly from AI. The technology could give them access to knowledge and capabilities that might otherwise be beyond their reach.
DNB also says the Netherlands does not need to develop the world’s most advanced AI models itself in order to benefit from the technology. However, companies need affordable access to AI models and the computing power required to use them. They should also be able to switch easily between providers.
Finally, DNB says the government should carefully consider any additional national requirements for AI. Successful companies should also have enough room to invest and grow.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
