The EU can learn from the UK’s more friendly approach towards AI

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BrusselsReport.eu
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By Bojan Lazarevski

From automated warehouses to AI-powered legal assistants, artificial intelligence is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, leaving millions of workers with an uncertain future. There’s a lot the EU can do before it gets too late. That starts with learning from Britain’s successful AI security strategy.

Two thirds of employees in Europe already fear losing their jobs to AI. According to a recent study, 94 million European workers will need to train new skills by 2030 due to automation. As the AI disruption of the labour market becomes inevitable, the question arising is how Europe will respond to ensure workers aren’t left behind the wave of automation. For now, it seems European policymakers seem unprepared.

China and the United States have been pushing AI research and development with massive investments, while countries in Europe mostly focus on ethical frameworks and regulation. A successful strategy will balance both. The EU risks leaning too far into precautionary regulation while neglecting other considerations.

We don’t have to look far for an example of what a better plan looks like. The United Kingdom and its AI Security Institute (AISI) has been widely seen as a success, positioning the country as a global leader in AI. The strategy is balancing safety and innovation, also focusing on investing in AI research, as well as collaboration between academia and industry.

On the other hand, there is the EU AI Act.

The key point of difference between the British AISI and the European AI Act is the regulation, with the UK being wary of over-legislating the issue at this early stage, considering it may result in lower growth.

Today, although there are divided opinions on AI, most Europeans agree that AI will replace more jobs than it will create. However, this doesn’t need to be necessarily true, as some recent reports suggest that in fact, AI may create more jobs than it eliminates. Whatever turns out to be true, it is certain some professions will disappear while new ones emerge, and that makes the need for strategic planning, adaptation and resilience to be essential in the years to come.

If we want to approach this situation in a timely and prepared manner, governments should already start working on preparedness and act proactively to address the risk of job loss and displacement of workers. Besides looking at the UK’s AISI, any quality approach should also include concretely providing alternatives ensuring a smooth transition into new opportunities.

The first crucial step is to acknowledge the situation and raise awareness before it’s too late. Workers in different sectors should be informed about the risks. They need to be empowered with the necessary knowledge and resources to adapt before disruption hits, and companies are forced on layoffs.

Another step is carefully planning and providing retraining and reskilling programs which will equip workers in the future with the skills needed for an AI-driven market. Both white and blue collar jobs can be affected, emphasising the need for such training. Reskilling and upskilling, might be a crucial way to adapt to the changing job landscape and ensure that workers remain competitive. This allows lifelong learning allowing Europeans to continuously develop their skills staying relevant in the evolving workforce.

If nothing really promises to protect the jobs, looking ahead, there might be a need to establish a transitional social safety net for future displaced workers. Such a reform should provide economic stability and security while people adapt to new job opportunities. This ensures instant support and long-term resilience for the workers.

At the end of the day, it’s also essential to cooperate. This includes public-private partnerships for driving innovation by combining the agility of the private sector with the resources and regulatory support of the public sector. At the same time, collaboration at the EU level across member states is needed for sharing knowledge and experience, leading to setting common standards.

Europe can take several steps to prepare for the challenges posed by AI-related job losses in the coming wave of automation induced job displacement. AI and automation are impacting the workforce globally. While they bring many opportunities, they also introduce risks, leading countries to respond in diverse ways.

The EU can learn from the UK approach which is prioritising innovation and collaboration with minimal regulation, instead of strict oversight. In this direction, a right balance between AI growth and protecting workers from displacement might be the answer.

Together, these efforts will help create a forward thinking strategy for maximising the benefits of technological progress. Only that way can we build a future where workers are not left behind but are empowered and resilient to thrive in an AI-driven economy.

Bojan Lazarevski is a political scientist in international and intercultural studies based in North Macedonia. Bojan is also a policy fellow with Young Voices Europe, an activist and a researcher.

 

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