Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to reshape an estimated 40 percent of jobs worldwide, presenting governments, businesses and workers with one of the most significant labour market transitions in decades, according to discussions at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2026.
The forum said the rapid advancement of AI is expected to redefine how work is performed across industries rather than simply automate routine tasks. While technological innovation promises substantial gains in productivity and economic growth, it also increases the urgency of preparing workers for new roles through education, skills development and workforce adaptation.
Leaders at the meeting stressed that the next phase of AI adoption should focus on creating opportunities instead of displacing workers. They argued that investment in digital infrastructure must be matched by investment in human capital to ensure the benefits of AI are shared broadly across economies.
Workforce Transformation Accelerates
The World Economic Forum noted that advances in artificial intelligence are already changing business operations, manufacturing, healthcare, financial services and logistics.
As companies increasingly integrate AI into daily operations, demand is expected to grow for workers with digital, analytical and technical capabilities.
Participants observed that AI has the potential to improve productivity, enhance decision-making and unlock new industries.
However, they warned that countries failing to upgrade education systems and workforce skills could face widening employment gaps as technological adoption accelerates.
Education and Skills Become Economic Priorities
Forum participants identified education, entrepreneurship and continuous learning as essential pillars for navigating the transition to an AI-driven economy.
Rather than viewing artificial intelligence solely as a replacement for labour, discussions centred on equipping workers to collaborate effectively with intelligent systems.
The meeting highlighted the importance of policies that encourage lifelong learning, vocational training and digital literacy to prepare employees for emerging occupations.
Business leaders also emphasised that creativity, critical thinking, communication and leadership will become increasingly valuable as AI assumes responsibility for repetitive and data-intensive tasks.
Avoiding Jobless Growth
A recurring theme during the meeting was the need to ensure technological progress translates into employment growth rather than higher productivity alone.
Participants cautioned that economic expansion driven by AI should not come at the expense of broad-based job creation. They called on governments and the private sector to work together to build an environment where innovation supports new industries, encourages entrepreneurship and creates sustainable employment opportunities.
The forum also highlighted the importance of ensuring that women, young professionals and workers in emerging economies have equitable access to AI-related education and opportunities, reducing the risk of widening economic inequality.
AI Seen as an Economic Growth Driver
Despite concerns about workforce disruption, business executives at the meeting maintained that artificial intelligence represents one of the most significant growth opportunities of the coming decade.
They argued that organisations adopting AI strategically are likely to achieve higher productivity, accelerate innovation and improve competitiveness across global markets.
However, realising those gains will depend on developing the workforce needed to deploy and manage the technology effectively.
As governments and businesses increase investment in artificial intelligence, the World Economic Forum concluded that the economies best positioned for long-term success will be those that invest not only in technology but also in people, ensuring the transition to an AI-powered future delivers inclusive and sustainable economic growth.