We are currently in the middle of a technological revolution that is impacting every aspect of our lives, including the labor market. While the concern is usually about how technology advancements can potentially lead to job losses, a larger focus should be put on how the right skills and knowledge around data governance and how to responsibly unlock the value of data for all can help businesses, governments, and advocacy groups fill the recruitment gap in a meaningful and effective way that will empower careers in the data-driven era.
The recently published ‘Future of Jobs’ report by the World Economic Forum’ provides fascinating insights into the increasingly symbiotic relationship between technology and the job market. The projections indicate an exponential increase in technology adoption over the next five years, reshaping the landscape of industries globally.
A staggering 75% of organizations surveyed are planning to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their operations within this period, with big data and cloud computing also emerging as significant priorities. Jobs in AI and machine learning are skyrocketing, rapidly becoming the fastest-growing sector. These key findings underscore the pivotal role of technological advancements in shaping the future of work.
The intersection of job creation and data governance is a critical concern in our evolving digital economy. As two of the players in this space, Zama and the Datasphere Initiative are increasingly interested in how AI and other technologies are becoming integral to operations across industries as we believe the demand for roles in data management and governance will likely surge. At the same time, these technologies have the potential to automate certain jobs, making the issue of job displacement a pressing concern. Moreover, with the rising prevalence of big data, establishing responsible and effective data governance becomes paramount to ensure data security, privacy, and ethical usage. The policies and practices that organizations adopt can significantly impact societal trust in technology and its applications. Thus, the issue of jobs and data governance is vital in defining our digital future, balancing innovation with ethical considerations and societal impact.
As we navigate the digital frontier, the advent of AI, a focus on data governance, and an overarching concern for privacy will inevitably foster the emergence of novel job roles and skills. In the realm of AI, there will be heightened demand for Large Language Models specialists, data scientists, and machine learning engineers who can develop and maintain all these systems. Moreover, roles such as AI ethicists, tasked with ensuring the ethical use of AI, and AI trainers, who ‘teach’ AI systems to operate correctly, will become increasingly relevant.
With regard to data governance, professionals who can design and enforce policies for data usage, quality, and security will be crucial. This includes roles like data governance officers, data stewards, and data privacy officers. Demand for professionals with a mix of technical skills in AI and data management as well as soft skills like ethical decision-making, critical thinking, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, will likely rise.
Building upon these emerging roles, the evolving landscape will also necessitate a redefinition and expansion of skill sets. For AI roles, technical skills in areas such as programming, machine learning algorithms, and statistical modeling will be paramount. AI ethicists and trainers will require a unique blend of technical understanding and ethical acumen, adept at making informed decisions about the application of AI technologies. Similarly, roles in data governance will require mastery of data architecture and management, alongside a comprehensive understanding of regulatory environments and ethical principles.
Privacy-centric roles will demand advanced skills in cybersecurity, encryption technologies, and legal expertise around data protection regulations. At the same time technical skills in designing new types of data-sharing models and innovations to leverage non-personal data will also likely increase. Moreover, all these roles will increasingly require strong soft skills. As these technologies continue to reshape our world, critical thinking, adaptability, and ethical decision-making will be essential. These skills will help professionals navigate the complex interplay between technology, ethics, and governance, ensuring that technological advancements align with societal values and regulations. This underscores the importance of multidisciplinary education and training, blending technology, humanities, and social sciences to prepare the workforce for the future.
In addition to jobs centered around digital technologies themselves, agile governance and policy-making skills will be needed to handle and understand the complex societal opportunities and challenges that come with AI and data-driven economies.
Preparing for shifts in the job market due to AI and data governance requires companies and governmental bodies to take proactive steps toward workforce development. Here are some strategies they might consider:
1.- Continuous Learning: Establish regular, short-term training programs to keep stakeholders updated on AI, data governance, and privacy developments.
2.- Reskilling and Upskilling: Identify internal talents for reskilling (learning new skills for a new position) and upskilling (enhancing current skills) to adapt to new roles.
3.- Partnerships: Encourage communication between industry, regulatory bodies, and non-governmental organizations, as the Datasphere Initiative does.
4.- Culture of Innovation: Promote an organizational culture that values continuous learning, adaptability, and innovation.
5.- Diversity in Hiring: Adopt inclusive hiring practices to encourage diverse perspectives, which are crucial for ethical decision-making and data governance.
6.- Ethics Training: Include ethics training in professional development programs to help people navigate this complex landscape.
7.- Tech Investments: Invest in the latest tools and technologies to facilitate learning and application.
8.- Break Silos: Encourage transdisciplinary and cross-sectoral education for governance and policy practitioners.
Discussions about data governance and AI are still taking place in multiple sectoral and policy silos. While some might be justified, most occur often far from the practitioners or affected agents. Transdisciplinary skills in connecting policy domains and experimenting with innovative governance frameworks will be necessary to establish the appropriate safeguards to legitimate concerns while maximizing the well-being for all through the creation and distribution of social and economic value. These skills are already available and constantly developing, and to place the right value and support on the professionals who can master them falls within the responsibilities—and interests—of businesses and organizations.
