AI is replacing jobs in the IT sector – and creating new ones

The long-term impact of artificial intelligence on the job market in the IT sector remains uncertain. A study by the digital association Bitkom paints a differentiated picture. Companies have different views on the consequences of AI use. For example, companies expect both a reduction in jobs and additional demand for IT specialists due to AI applications. According to the companies, the direction in which the number of jobs will develop depends on the respective job profile.

AI will change professions in IT

15 percent of companies expect the use of artificial intelligence to lead to a loss of jobs in the IT sector. Conversely, 38% expect that they will have to advertise additional jobs due to AI applications. A fifth of companies are certain that AI will take over jobs that cannot be filled. Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst does not see AI as a threat to the labor market. Instead, it is "an opportunity to at least partially close the skills gap."

However, companies agree that artificial intelligence will change professions in IT. A third of companies expect new job profiles to become established, such as AI trainers or prompt engineers. Around a quarter see a decline in individual job profiles in the future, while 18% expect that there will soon no longer be any demand for IT specialists without AI skills. 44% of companies believe that the use of AI will increase productivity because employees will be relieved of routine tasks.

For the study, Bitkom asked 852 German companies with at least three employees how the job of IT specialists will change as a result of the use of AI. The association has over 2,000 members, most of whom belong to the IT and telecommunications sector. It publicly represents their political and economic interests. Most recently, another Bitkom study showed that half of employees are available over the Christmas period.

(sfe)