Automation, artificial intelligence and future skills needs: an Irish perspective

Abstract

Purpose This study explores insights from key stakeholders into the skills they believe will be necessary for the future of work as we become more reliant on artificial intelligence (AI) and technology. The study also seeks to understand what human resource policies and educational interventions are needed to support and take advantage of these changes. Design/methodology/approach This is a qualitative study where a sample of highly experienced representatives from a range of small to large Irish organisations, both public and private, provide insights into this important topic. Findings Findings indicate participants see a continued need for soft and hard skills as we evolve towards a more technologised workplace, with a need for employees to adopt a lifelong learning philosophy. As the knowledge economy in Ireland is well established, experts do not expect mass displacement to occur but differ with respect to the predicted rate of change. Novel HR interventions such as hiring for potential, pooling talent and establishing postgraduate supply contracts are seen as key. Current state interventions were mostly viewed positively but revamping of curricula is needed as well as stronger partnerships with tertiary institutions. Research limitations/implications The interpretivist nature of the study limits the generalisability of the findings as they are based on a relatively small sample from one country. Also despite the significant expertise of the sample, it is not possible to predict whether their forecasts will manifest. Practical implications This research highlights the need for Irish SMEs to embrace the impacts of automation and AI as many are seen to be slow in reacting to changes in technology. The study also reveals cutting edge talent management interventions for employers to adopt that will insulate them from the challenges technological change presents to recruitment and employee development. Originality/value The findings from this paper culminate in the development of a conceptual framework, which encapsulates the responsibilities of all parties so that future skills needs will be met. This highlights the interplay between employers, individuals/employees, the Irish Government and educational institutions, demonstrating how they are interdependent on one another as we move towards a more technologised future.

AI in the Workplace: A Systematic Review of Skill Transformation in the Industry

“…The competencies include technical and soft skills, such as creativity, critical thinking, digital content creation, data analysis, and cybersecurity. Bukartaite and Hooper (2023) focused on essential future skills, including programming, digital/ICT skills, data analytics, cybersecurity, creativity, communication, and emotional intelligence. The study underlines a shift towards soft skills, stressing the importance of balancing soft and hard skills, adaptability, and fostering a mindset that leads to innovation.…”

“…The second group (Aljohani et al 2022;Chen et al 2022;Faraj 2022;Paśko et al 2022) focuses on integrating AI in education. The third group (Bukartaite and Hooper 2023;Filippi et al 2023;Jones et al 2022;Kumar et al 2023) explores the impact of automation and AI technologies on employment and skills. The next group, Robotics (Li et al 2020;Lui and Shum 2022;O'Donovan et al 2023), focuses on the impact of robotics in different sectors.…”

“…The research contributes to ongoing discussions on competency needs in the job market and provides valuable insights for future research and educational pathways. Bukartaite and Hooper (2023) navigate the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the future of work in Ireland, focusing on automation, AI, and the changing skills required for knowledge workers. The authors draw on insights from interviews with professionals to discuss the shift towards lifelong learning, changes in skill requirements, and the effect of automation on Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).…”

“…Skill gaps, particularly in critical thinking and self-management, create barriers to adopting advanced technologies. Bukartaite and Hooper (2023) also note the challenge of predicting expertise due to the rapidly evolving nature of careers. A lag in technology integration, especially in SMEs, is attributed to mindset, financial resources, lack of awareness, and a mismatch between graduate skills and job market demands.…”

“…As industries continue to adopt AI, there is a risk of a mismatch between the skills that employers require and the skills that employees possess (Dos Santos et al 2023). This can lead to inefficiencies in the workforce and job displacement (Bukartaite and Hooper 2023;Lui and Shum 2022), making it difficult to integrate AI into various sectors fully. Our investigation aims to explore the skills demanded for implementing AI in organizations.…”