In this next article, Marta Muñiz Ferrer - CEO of our partner Schiller International University - talks to us about the importance of training in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a technology that simulates human intelligence. The European Parliament defines it as “the ability of a machine to show the same capacities as human beings, be it reasoning, learning, creativity or the ability to plan.”

Since the middle of the 20th century, we have coexisted with technologies equipped with artificial intelligence, which was rudimentary when it first began. But the advances achieved in recent years by digitization and artificial intelligence are so far reaching that they are having a major impact on our society, our economy and even on the very concept of work.

Training is essential to not miss out on the AI wave.

OECD estimates that 14% of jobs in member countries are likely to be automated, while 30% of current jobs could face substantial changes.

The challenge that this transformation presents for the labor market is immense. The disappearance of certain jobs and the increase in productivity in certain industries are a given, as is the emergence of new professions and the ability of business roles to make decisions based on data provided by AI. Included in these new professions, beyond data scientists and programmers, are Artificial Intelligence systems trainers, professionals who interpret AI-generated results, linguists, field specialists who can make business sense of the technology or others who monitor that it’s working as expected, in addition to people specialized in AI investments and the security of these systems.

According to the European Union, 65% of elementary school students will work in professions that do not yet exist. Thanks to Artificial Intelligence and robotics, at least 60 million jobs will be created globally in the coming years.

At the same time, there is a disparity between the knowledge and skills of the productive force and the needs of companies, which prevents them from taking full advantage of the potential of AI and new technologies in this area. According to the EU, 42% of its citizens do not have basic digital skills. For this reason, it has launched an ambitious digital literacy program that aims for 80% of its territory's citizens to achieve those fundamental skills by 2030.

The European Commission also confirms that 55% of EU businesses have difficulty filling IT vacancies due to the lack of experts in this subject matter. On the other hand, IBM estimates that 85 million jobs will not be able to be covered in 2030 due to the lack of talent.

Currently, we find ourselves with a mismatch between educational programs and what the labor market demands. We must therefore promote that across-the-board skills training and education in digital and technological capabilities be included in all educational disciplines, because they are crucial to employability and the sustainability of companies.

These competencies will be key in designing better algorithms, which will lead to more inclusive Artificial Intelligence. AI specialists must be aware of their ethical and social responsibilities.

Humanistic training in scientific disciplines and scientific training in the Humanities are necessary if we are seeking a fully humanistic education that prepares citizens to be able to respond to the challenges of this constantly evolving world. We must break down the physical confines of traditional learning, innovate both in substance and in form, and utilize knowledge so that it aids a more just, diverse and sustainable society.

Integrating AI in educational programs, updating and improving digital skills, and continuous training throughout professional life will mitigate the negative and potentially harmful aspects of Artificial Intelligence. All this while allowing its enormous potential to unfold.