How generative AI is changing work and skills
Generative AI is transforming the world of work – not so much by replacing entire professions, but by reshaping tasks, roles and skill sets. It is therefore becoming increasingly important for businesses to combine technological skills with specialist knowledge and human capabilities.
Key points at a glance
- Generative AI is primarily changing individual tasks and job roles, rather than replacing entire jobs.
- Routine cognitive tasks such as drafting, simple data analysis or parts of programming are increasingly being supported or automated by AI.
- At the same time, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, empathy, judgement and specialist knowledge are becoming increasingly important.
- Technical roles are also changing: software developers are focusing more on system design, AI orchestration and the validation of AI-generated results.
- One-off AI training courses are not enough. Companies need workplace-based further training, clear rules for use and continuous updating of skills.
In the third part of the series ‘Switzerland as a Hub for Innovation’, Lamia Friha, Giovanna Di Marzo Serugendo, Jan Melichar and Pierre-Yves Burgi explain how generative AI is transforming work and skills profiles, and why continuing professional development is becoming a strategic priority for SMEs.
The article also highlights the new roles that are emerging, how the work of software developers is changing, and why companies should establish clear guidelines for the responsible use of generative AI.
Download the full article in German (PDF)
This article in KMU-Magazin forms part of the series ‘Switzerland as a Hub for Innovation’, which emerged as a follow-up to the SATW publication ‘AI Orientation: Challenges and Opportunities for Swiss SMEs’.
The content was developed in collaboration with stakeholders from the SAIROP (Swiss AI Research Overview Platform) network and SATW’s expert network. SAIROP promotes collaboration between research, industry and government and supports knowledge transfer within the Swiss AI ecosystem.
FAQ
Will generative AI replace entire jobs?
The trends examined suggest that generative AI is primarily changing individual tasks and reshaping jobs, rather than replacing them entirely.
Which tasks are increasingly being supported by AI?
These include, in particular, routine cognitive tasks such as drafting, programming and data analysis.
Which skills are becoming more important?
Critical thinking, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, creativity, specialist knowledge and sound judgement are becoming increasingly important.
How is the role of software developers changing?
Software developers are increasingly focusing on defining problems, structuring solutions and validating AI-generated results. At the same time, system design, architecture, security and AI orchestration are becoming increasingly important.
What does this mean for continuing professional development within organisations?
One-off introductory courses are not enough. The article recommends workplace-based training, regular professional development and clear guidelines for the responsible use of generative AI.
Contributors
Pierre-Yves Burgi, Giovanna Di Marzo Serugendo, Lamia Friha, Jan Mélichar