Nine prominent technology companies have united to form a consortium aimed at examining the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce. The AI-Enabled Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Workforce Consortium will identify job roles likely affected by AI and propose training programs designed to upskill workers. Spearheaded by Cisco, this initiative includes notable participants such as IBM, Microsoft, Google, Intel, Accenture, Eightfold, Indeed, and SAP.
According to the World Economic Forum, technology is expected to disrupt 44% of essential worker skills between 2023 and 2028. Francine Katsoudas, Chief People, Policy, and Purpose Officer at Cisco, emphasized the consortium's significance: “AI is accelerating the pace of change for the global workforce, presenting a powerful opportunity for the private sector to help upskill and reskill workers for the future. The mission of our newly unveiled AI-Enabled Workforce Consortium is to provide organizations with knowledge about the impact of AI on the workforce while equipping workers with the skills they need.”
The consortium plans to produce a report aimed at business leaders and employees, analyzing AI's influence on job roles. Their initial study will evaluate 56 positions, encompassing 80% of the top 45 ICT job titles with the most job postings on Indeed from February 2023 to 2024 across the U.S. and five key European nations, including France, Germany, and Spain.
Hannah Calhoon, Head of AI Innovation at Indeed, commented, “Our research indicates that virtually every job currently listed on Indeed—whether it’s a truck driver, physician, or software engineer—will encounter some degree of generative AI-driven change.” The upcoming report will share valuable insights and practical recommendations for employers looking to enhance their workforce's capabilities in the age of AI.
Beyond addressing immediate workforce needs, the consortium is also committed to expanding skill development opportunities for students, educators, and individuals seeking to change careers. Each member has pledged to upskill millions over the next decade: Microsoft aims to train 10 million people from underserved communities by 2025, while IBM intends to equip two million individuals with AI skills by 2030.
The consortium will also receive guidance from labor unions and nonprofit organizations such as the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, DigitalEurope, and the European Vocational Training Association. Its creation was influenced by the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and its Talent for Growth Task Force, which aimed to enhance training methods and opportunities within the tech sector on both sides of the Atlantic.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, a co-chair of the TTC, expressed her gratitude to the consortium members for their commitment, stating, “I am grateful to the Consortium members for joining in this effort to confront the new workforce needs that are arising in the wake of AI’s rapid development. This work will provide unprecedented insight into the specific skill demands for these jobs. I hope this consortium marks the beginning of a broader call to action for the private sector to ensure our workforce can fully leverage the benefits of AI.”
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