Up to 17 million jobs in the region are hampered by gaps in digital access and infrastructure.
Artificial Generative Intelligence (GAI) could significantly transform jobs and boost productivity in Latin America and the Caribbean, but existing gaps in digital infrastructure could hinder its potential benefits, according to a new study by the International Labor Organization (ILO). and the World Bank.
The research concludes that between 26% and 38% of jobs in the region could be influenced by GenAI. However, technology is more likely to augment and transform jobs rather than fully automate them.
Specifically, between 8% and 14% of jobs could see their productivity improved thanks to GenAI, while only between 2% and 5% are at risk of total automation.
The study reveals that women, as well as urban, younger and educated workers in formal sectors, face greater risks of automation by the IAG, which could worsen regional economic inequalities and informality.
The potential transformative benefits of the IAG on jobs are more equitably distributed among workers in terms of gender and age, but remain more likely to affect formal jobs in urban areas and held by workers. with more education and higher income.
Salaried and self-employed workers, such as salespeople, architects, educators, healthcare or personal services workers, are most likely to benefit from the transformative effects of IAG, according to the study.
DIGITAL DIVIDE
However, the study highlights a significant digital divide in the region that could prevent workers from fully taking advantage of the potential benefits of Generative Artificial Intelligence.
This could affect about half of the jobs that could experience greater productivity with this technology, which corresponds to 7 million jobs for women and 10 million jobs for men in the region (17 million in total), estimates the report.
The potential loss of productivity due to this gap in digital access would have the greatest impact on workers living in poverty.
For example, in Brazil, while 8.5% of the most disadvantaged workers could benefit from the IAG, only 40% of them could do so because they use digital technologies at work.
"Effectively managing the impacts of Generative AI requires a robust and inclusive social dialogue that brings together all stakeholders. By fostering meaningful conversations between policymakers, industry leaders, workers and unions we can ensure that the power transformation of AI is used responsibly," explained the ILO regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Ana Virginia Moreira Gomes.
In this sense, the World Bank's chief economist for Latin America and the Caribbean, William Maloney, has explained that when deployed sustainably, digital technologies, including IAG, can increase productivity and the creation of more and better jobs. .
"However, to take advantage of these opportunities it is vital that countries in the region invest in connectivity and skills, while strengthening social protection systems to ensure that no one is left behind," he noted.
ACTIONS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AI
The research recommends several key actions in the region and the need for a collaborative approach to fully realize the potential of IAG while mitigating associated risks.
Among others, it advocates implementing lifelong learning programs to mitigate job losses and improve productivity. Likewise, it is urged to strengthen the basic skills of workers to boost productivity and creativity with the IAG.
Improving social protection systems to stabilize transitions and address gender gaps or improving digital infrastructure and encouraging the adoption of digital technologies are also two recommendations included in the report.
Finally, it calls for helping informal sector workers in their transition to the formal sector to improve their chances of benefiting from the IAG.
