AI: A Productivity Boost or Job Disruption in Germany? SAP CEO Speaks Out
Artificial Intelligence holds the potential to boost productivity by an impressive 30 percent, according to SAP's leader.
Embrace AI, don't fear it, says SAP CEO Christian Klein. In a candid conversation with the "Funke Mediengruppe" newspapers, Klein affirmed that SAP views Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a golden opportunity, rather than a job-killing threat. The company's focus lies in upskilling employees and enabling them to engage in valuable, innovative tasks. Klein reiterates an impressive 30% increase in productivity for SAP developers due to AI implementations.
AI is poised to revolutionize all sectors. According to Klein, routine tasks will vanish, freeing up time for imaginative thinking and genuine value creation.
German labor demand may decrease overall, predicts Bernhard Rohleder, CEO of industry association Bitkom. However, this depiction doesn't necessarily foster concern, given the existing skills shortage in the country. Rohleder emphasized that AI is unlikely to negatively affect the job market in the near future. In fact, companies' competitiveness could be bolstered by AI, and the efficiency of administrations and public services might be maintained.
In Germany, AI is accelerating growth in high-tech and knowledge-intensive sectors like manufacturing and digital infrastructure. By 2030, annual productivity could increase by 1.5% due to AI-driven automation, with a special focus on smart manufacturing and decarbonization technologies.
More than 40% of German companies anticipate substantial investments in AI, underscoring their commitment to harness AI for growth. AI is expected to create 97 million jobs worldwide by the end of 2025, despite the potential for displacing certain roles. With increased need for AI development, deployment, and management skills, workers will require continuous learning and upskilling.
SAP actively integrates AI into its offerings, focusing on AI-driven solutions that optimize business processes, improve customer engagement, and enhance operations. SAP also partners with various companies to tailor AI solutions to industrial needs, driving digital transformation.
Bitkom, a leading German digital industry association, advocates for policies that encourage AI and digital technology adoption to foster economic resilience and competitiveness. Additionally, initiatives aimed at improving digital literacy and skills among workers could help meet the demands of an AI-driven economy.
The Commission may consider proposing a directive on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation in light of the increased adoption of artificial-intelligence technology, as this technology could lead to increased use of machinery and equipment that emits such radiation.
Moreover, as AI is poised to create 97 million jobs worldwide by 2025, it is essential for workforces, including those in Germany, to upskill and acquire AI development, deployment, and management skills to maximize the benefits of this technology and mitigate potential job disruptions.
