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AI, Task Changes in Jobs, and Worker Reallocation

Author

Listed:
  • Gathmann, Christina

    (LISER)

  • Grimm, Felix

    (LISER)

  • Winkler, Erwin

    (University of Erlangen-Nuremberg)

Abstract

How does Artificial Intelligence (AI) affect the task content of work, and how do workers adjust to the diffusion of AI in the economy? To answer these important questions, we combine novel patent-based measures of AI and robot exposure with individual survey data on tasks performed on the job and administrative data on worker careers. Like prior studies, we find that robots have reduced routine tasks. In sharp contrast, AI has reduced non-routine abstract tasks like information gathering and increased the demand for 'high-level' routine tasks like monitoring processes. These task shifts mainly occur within detailed occupations and become stronger over time. While displacement effects are small, workers have responded by switching jobs, often to less exposed industries. We also document that low-skilled workers suffer some wage losses, while high-skilled incumbent workers experience wage gains.

Suggested Citation

  • Gathmann, Christina & Grimm, Felix & Winkler, Erwin, 2024. "AI, Task Changes in Jobs, and Worker Reallocation," IZA Discussion Papers 17554, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17554
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Artificial Intelligence; tasks; skills; reallocation; robots; patents;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion

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