MIT has launched a Working Group on Generative AI and the Work of the Future, aiming to explore the impact of artificial intelligence tools on the workforce. The group, consisting of 25 companies, nonprofits, MIT faculty, and students, will focus on how generative AI can enhance existing jobs and improve people’s lives.
Generative AI tools have sparked curiosity, concern, and anticipation about their potential effects on work and society. The working group will investigate whether these tools can enhance job performance, eliminate certain skills, or pose any risks. By gathering data on how teams are utilizing generative AI tools and assessing their impact on workers, the group aims to find practical strategies to maximize the benefits and minimize potential harm.
Led by MIT’s Industrial Performance Center (IPC) and supported by Google.org’s Community Grants Fund, the research will delve into early use cases of generative AI at global companies. This includes understanding how organizations are responsibly deploying these tools, adapting their workforce, and redefining the skills needed to thrive in the evolving work environment. The findings from this research will be shared through case studies starting in 2024.
Companies like Liberty Mutual Insurance and IBM have joined the working group to collaborate on harnessing AI for empowering employees, building capabilities, and enhancing customer service. Through quarterly meetings, in-person summits, and training resources development, the group aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and support organizations in preparing their workforce for the integration of generative AI tools.
As the Working Group on Generative AI and the Work of the Future embarks on this two-year journey, the focus remains on understanding the potential benefits and challenges of AI in transforming the way people work. Through collaboration, research, and shared best practices, the group seeks to shape a future where AI enhances job performance, fosters continuous learning, and drives positive societal impact.
