Automation and artificial intelligence change the way we work and learn

"I'm a recovering AI sceptic", says Lauri Järvilehto. "For a long time, I considered this artificial intelligence and thinking machine stuff to be pure nonsense and quackery, but the new solutions have actually shown that they can accomplish tasks that seemed technically quite challenging, if not impossible, to achieve just a few years ago."

According to Järvilehto, it has been clear for the past ten years that the forms and developments in automation and information technology are challenging the way we work.

He mentions how a study by two Oxford University professors in 2013 shocked the world by suggesting that in the near future, approximately 47% of current occupations would disappear due to automation. However, in 2016, Boston University professor James Bessen criticised the study, arguing with data showing that there was only one occupation automation had replaced in the United States between years 1950 and 2011: the elevator operator.

Automation evolves work practices 

Järvilehto describes that automation technology does not eliminate professions but rather transforms work practices. According to Järvilehto, using a fax machine was a necessary skill in many fields during the 1980s and 1990s. Nowadays, thanks to technological advances, the need to use various instant messaging applications at work has replaced the fax machine in many professions.

Recent analyses support the Oxford professors' research, suggesting that around half of routine tasks could be automated in the near future.

Järvilehto says that until about five years ago, experts believed that automation would primarily impact blue-collar work. It was predicted that it would protect people working in IT and professions such as management, teaching, coding, writing and pattern-making for a long time to come.

However, the situation has been reversed, with blue-collar workers still doing their own jobs, while knowledge workers have realised that new AI solutions can handle a significant part of their day-to-day tasks.

However, Järvilehto points out that automation does not eliminate the need for workers, but rather shapes their skill requirements.

"The situation is so abrupt that I can't really say what to study next in order to thrive with this change.", says Järvilehto. "The most important thing is that we learn these meta-skills of learning, continuous learning, and integrate that smoothly into our everyday lives."

Lifewide learning fits into the small gaps of everyday life

At Aalto University, the traditional definition of lifelong learning has been replaced by the idea of lifewide learning.

This new perspective is based on fitting learning content into the small spaces of everyday life, such as coffee breaks, waiting at the bus stop or walks in the forest.

The aim of lifewide learning is to make learning flow smoothly, even in the midst of hectic everyday life, so that learning takes minutes instead of months. Learning can be seen as an opportunity to develop work and working life in a way that guides individuals closer to their own interests and strengths.

Järvilehto encourages learners to focus on two things in particular: what they are really interested in and what they want to learn, and how to quickly identify skills needs in their field that are useful to them.

Working on these topics, even for just a few minutes at a time, will allow you to learn on an ongoing basis with a small investment.

Lauri Järvilehto is a Professor of Practice at Aalto University, a philosopher, non-fiction author, business coach, musician, and serial entrepreneur. He is interested in thinking, well-being, creativity, learning, and the future of work. He has written several best-selling books and lectured on the theories and tools of thinking at universities, startup events, and scientific conferences around the world. Read more about Järvilehto's thoughts on his website.

This text is a summary of the speech Järvilehto gave as FITech's guest speaker at a virtual event by the Mimmit Koodaa programme on 1 November, 2024.

Watch the recording on YouTube (in Finnish).