The CEO of Publicis Sapient, Nigel Vaz, predicts that the rapid pace of digital transformation will lead to the creation of new technology jobs at an unprecedented rate, potentially surpassing the growth observed in the past eight decades. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI, and cloud computing are driving a shift in labor requirements, necessitating the development of new roles and workforce upskilling.

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Vaz emphasizes the importance of unlearning and relearning skills to adapt to this evolving landscape. According to a study by MIT economist David Autor, approximately 60% of employment in 2018 was in jobs that did not exist in 1940, with over 85% of employment growth in the past 80 years attributed to technology-driven creation of new positions. Vaz believes this growth in new jobs will happen much sooner due to the ongoing digital transformation, further stimulating global economic growth.

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While AI is expected to play a pivotal role in solving complex challenges and driving economic prosperity, Vaz acknowledges the need to address associated risks, such as data quality and bias. He emphasizes that AI models are only as good as the data they are trained on and highlights the importance of reinforcement to mitigate unwanted biases and copyright issues. Overall, digital transformation is set to reshape the employment landscape, create new opportunities, and contribute significantly to global economic growth, but it also calls for vigilance in addressing AI-related challenges and ethical considerations.

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