The long-term effects of artificial intelligence on the job market in the IT sector remain uncertain. A study by the digital association Bitkom presents a nuanced picture. Companies have different views on the consequences of AI usage. Some expect job cuts, while others foresee a need for additional IT specialists due to AI applications. The direction in which the number of jobs develops depends on the specific job profile.
AI will change jobs in IT. While 15% of companies expect job losses in the IT sector due to AI, 38% anticipate needing to create additional positions. A fifth of firms are confident that AI will take over roles that cannot be filled. Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst does not see AI as a threat to the job market. Instead, he views it as “an opportunity to partially close the skills gap.”
However, companies agree that AI will transform IT professions. A third of companies expect new job roles to emerge, such as AI trainers or prompt engineers. About a quarter foresee a decline in certain job profiles, while 18% believe there will soon be no demand for IT specialists without AI skills. Additionally, 44% of companies believe in increased productivity through AI, as employees are relieved from routine tasks.
For the study, Bitkom surveyed 852 German companies with at least three employees about how the role of IT specialists will change with AI usage. The association has over 2,000 members, mainly from the IT and telecommunications sectors, and represents their political and economic interests. A recent Bitkom study also showed that half of the employees are reachable over the Christmas holidays.
Overall, the integration of AI into the IT sector presents both challenges and opportunities. While some jobs may be lost, new roles and increased efficiency are likely to emerge. Companies and employees will need to adapt to these changes, embracing new skills and technologies. The future of the IT job market will depend on how well these transitions are managed, and how quickly the workforce can acquire the necessary AI-related expertise.
As AI continues to evolve, it will be crucial for educational institutions and training programs to keep pace, ensuring that both current and future IT professionals are equipped with the relevant skills. Collaboration between industry and academia will be essential in developing curricula that address the demands of a rapidly changing technological landscape.
Furthermore, policy-makers will play a vital role in facilitating this transition, creating an environment that supports innovation while safeguarding employment. This may involve investing in education, supporting retraining initiatives, and encouraging research and development in AI technologies.
The potential for AI to drive economic growth and improve productivity is significant. However, realizing these benefits will require careful planning and a proactive approach to managing the workforce transition. By embracing AI and preparing for its impact, the IT sector can thrive in an increasingly digital world.