- This article was originally published in Dutch on 16 May 2024. It was written by Marleen Deleu of the NextConomy .
On April 19, Reshaping Work organised an exclusive event, “EU in the Age of AI,” in Brussels, where companies, trade unions, think tanks, and policy makers discussed the role of the EU in the era of Artificial Intelligence. “We need a plan,” said Jovana Karanovic, founder and director of Reshaping Work.
Jovana is an Assistant Professor at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, and a recognized expert in digital platforms. Her research lies at the intersection of platform strategy, platform governance, and new organisational forms. Driven by her passion for digital innovations and their potential to lead the platform economy towards a sustainable future, she founded Reshaping Work, now recognised as a leading authority in the future of work.
AI’s Impact is Inevitable
“AI will undoubtedly impact jobs, such as that of accountants or copywriters, and even lead to the complete disappearance of some positions. But, as history shows us, technology will also enhance current jobs and create new ones. There are aspects, such as empathy and intuition, that are deeply human and can never be automated. It’s crucial to excel in these domains. We also need a plan to ensure no one is left behind. Everyone needs to be involved and trained — reskilling and up-skilling are crucial. Furthermore, we must ensure the quality of working conditions by monitoring AI’s impact on how we work. I am very concerned about this and hope Reshaping Work can make a significant impact in this area.”
Reshaping Work is a foundation headquartered in Amsterdam. Founded in 2016, it aims to bring together companies, start-ups, trade unions, researchers, policy makers, and other relevant stakeholders to discuss and shape the future of work. Achieving socially responsible practices in economic, social, and environmental areas is at the core of their mission.
Lack of Ethical Framework
Her previous research on platforms in the gig economy makes Jovana aware of AI’s consequences for workers, which early adopters in companies often overlook. “There are three types of companies: those very enthusiastic and experimenting with AI applications, those that are more cautious, and finally, those without an opinion, which I describe as agnostic. Early adopters think it’s cheap, easy to use, and sufficiently effective.”
However, Jovana warns, “HR managers using AI to sift through resumes don’t see an algorithm behind the AI application they are using. They only consider the advantages of convenience and speed. They forget that the application embeds biases, and that the algorithms are trained to identify the ideal candidate based on the ideal candidate from the past. Many companies experiment with AI applications but have not yet established a vision or ethical framework, let alone defined processes and procedures within their use of AI. There needs to be more dialogue among all parties involved, as no single perspective holds the entire truth. Sharing experiences is essential to accelerate innovations in AI applications. Additionally, sharing knowledge about AI use and establishing an ethical framework are important for organisations, as these practices will make them more sustainable, efficient, and successful in the long run. The misuse of algorithms can and will hurt the companies in the long run.”
Legislation is Coming, Prepare Now
Various legislations are on the horizon, which can be anticipated by the organisations. Jovana’s advice is to take the lead. “Currently, in many organisations, there is no real ownership or strategy; only a few enthusiasts are working with AI technology. It is challenging to get different parts of an organisation, which hardly communicate with each other, to collaborate. On the one hand, you have data analysts and those developing algorithms, and on the other, those setting the strategy and ensuring growth and development. So there must be structural alignment among all stakeholders and decision makers!”
Five Key Insights from the “EU in the Age of AI” Meeting in Brussels
1. AI in the workplace requires new protections.
2. The EU embraces a risk-based approach to regulating AI.
3. The impact of AI on the fundamental rights of workers must be investigated.
4. The EU AI Office is responsible for compliance and oversight.
5. The EU already has policy tools to mitigate AI risks.
You can find the full report of the evening, with explanations and conclusions, here.
Reshaping Work 2024 Conference on AI@Work
To navigate the complex landscape of using AI applications at work and business operations, a multistakeholder approach to policy development is needed. By involving a diverse group of stakeholders, including industry leaders, trade unions, start-ups, SMEs, civil society, and academia, Reshaping Work aims to build a consensus that values different perspectives and promotes an inclusive digital environment.
This joint approach is crucial to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed ethically, transparently, and in line with the common good.
You can continue this joint effort with Reshaping Work at the conference on October 23 and 24 in Amsterdam or at the Reshaping Work Dialogue on AI planned for 2025.