IBM chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna stated in an exclusive interview with CNBC that white-collar jobs will be the first to be affected by artificial intelligence (AI). Krishna explained that generative AI and large language models can enhance productivity in every enterprise process, allowing the same work to be accomplished with fewer individuals. He emphasized that back-office, white-collar work will likely be the initial roles to experience the impact of AI.
IBM has invested in AI for over a decade, and in May, the company unveiled WatsonX, an AI building tool. Krishna clarified that the company plans not to fill certain roles for the next five years and instead will use AI bots to work alongside human employees. He believes that AI will augment jobs rather than completely replace them and create more GDP. Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister has also expressed similar sentiments, stating that AI will disrupt the labor market but not eliminate jobs entirely.
In conclusion, Krishna sees AI as a key technology for the future, and during IBM’s second-quarter earnings call, he emphasized the significance of AI in various aspects of the company’s operations.