Cisco leads effort to evaluate effects of AI on technology workforce

On April 4, Cisco, along with Accenture, Eightfold, Google, IBM, Indeed, Intel, Microsoft, and SAP, announced the launch of the AI-Enabled Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Workforce Consortium. Advisors to the consortium include the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, CHAIN5, Communications Workers of America, DIGITALEUROPE, the European Vocational Training Association, Khan Academy, and SMEUnited.

The consortium will reportedly work as a private sector collaborator, evaluating how AI is changing jobs and skills and focusing on upskilling and reskilling impacted roles.

The consortium reports that the first phase of its work will include the evaluation of 56 ICT job roles, and will result in a report that delivers actionable insights for business leaders and workers. The report will also feature recommendations to help employers prepare for AI-enabled environments.

Francine Katsoudas, Cisco executive vice president, said in a press release, “AI is accelerating the pace of change for the global workforce, presenting a powerful opportunity for the private sector to help upskill and reskill workers for the future. The mission of our newly unveiled AI-Enabled Workforce Consortium is to provide organizations with knowledge about the impact of AI on the workforce and equip workers with relevant skills. We look forward to engaging other stakeholders—including governments, NGOs, and the academic community—as we take this important first step toward ensuring that the AI revolution leaves no one behind.”

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