Focus Area

AI Labour Markets

The global competition for Artificial Intelligence talent is intensifying. Jurisdictions and businesses alike recognize the importance of having the human resources to develop, implement, and control one of the economically, socially, and politically most transformative technologies of our age. Countries from the US to China are striving to enhance their AI talent pools. Prioritizing AI expertise has also become a recurring theme in European policymakers' recent statements. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has advocated for a concerted effort to tackle labour market challenges, highlighting critical issues such as skills and labour shortages.

At interface, the AI and Labour Market team is focused on addressing this issue by providing the timely data and insights needed to design policies that enhance Europe’s AI talent pool and support its workforce. Over the past months, we have been looking at the origins of the AI workforce in Europe. Currently, the European Union heavily relies on international expertise, with an average of 30% of its AI professionals being foreign nationals. This dependence on third-country talent highlights both the global nature of AI development and the urgent need for Europe to nurture and retain its own AI workforce.

At the moment, we are analysing the origins of the AI workforce in Europe. Currently, the European Union heavily relies on international expertise, with an average of 30% of its AI professionals being foreign nationals. This dependence on third-country talent highlights both the global nature of AI development and the urgent need for Europe to nurture and retain its own AI workforce.

Every year, European universities witness the graduation of highly specialised people in the field of AI. These people come to study in Europe from different parts of the world. But then we lose this talent to the United States. This brain drain represents a serious challenge to everyone involved in enhancing AI research and boosting industry on the continent.

Moreover, as shown by our recent study, we're not fully tapping into the potential of our own population. Globally, women comprise only 22% of AI talent, with even lower representation at senior levels – occupying less than 14% of senior executive roles in AI. This means that we're neglecting nearly half of the world's population when it comes to nurturing AI talent, a situation that urgently needs addressing.

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