AI adoption is cited by many research studies as one of the key priorities for companies around the world, but how will it affect the locations we’ve recently identified as growing clusters for talent in our Workforces Index? 

Although question marks over AI replacing humans in the workforce remain, there’s a strong counterargument that it will augment human performance, rather than replace the need for human input in most industries, and increase productivity.

More broadly, we’ve already seen – and continue to see - how technology has the potential to open up talent pools in hitherto inaccessible markets, especially if combined with remote working. This frees both workers and companies from their geographical locations. Take for example Africa, which has recently struggled to increase productivity, but will be home to one-in-three people entering the global workforce by the 2030s. Attracted by this demographic dividend, international investors are already targeting the continent. Centres such as the special economic zone of Kigali in Rwanda, home to BioTech’s first vaccine manufacturing plant in Africa, demonstrate the possibilities. Further adoption of AI, based on Africa’s historically strong take-up of mobile phone technology, should deliver further opportunities.

Used constructively, AI has further potential to reduce inequalities. In developed economies, it can help compensate for an ageing workforce or provide care to ageing populations via ‘care-bots’, while in emerging markets, it can fill medical and educational gaps and potentially help them to leapfrog stages of development. Of course, ironing out inequalities through AI requires judicious distribution of the technology. If people able to use AI come to replace those who can’t, it could deepen inequalities. Investment in infrastructure and education, and ensuring that AI solutions fit the local context and culture, are therefore essential to ensure workers are not left behind.

Overall, however, AI shouldn’t hinder the growth of future talent hubs, but augment them, and potentially help locations further down our Index to climb the rankings in the coming years and decades. 

Further information

Contact Kelcie Sellers

Talent: where to find skilled workforces