The relationship between artificial intelligence and low-skilled employment in South Africa

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, its impact on employment is a topic of concern. In South Africa, where low-skilled labor forms a significant portion of the workforce, the integration of AI technologies raises questions about the future of employment opportunities and economic s...

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Main Authors: Fiyinfoluwa Giwa, Nicholas Ngepah
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-12-01
Series:Heliyon
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024166716
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author Fiyinfoluwa Giwa
Nicholas Ngepah
author_facet Fiyinfoluwa Giwa
Nicholas Ngepah
author_sort Fiyinfoluwa Giwa
collection DOAJ
description As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, its impact on employment is a topic of concern. In South Africa, where low-skilled labor forms a significant portion of the workforce, the integration of AI technologies raises questions about the future of employment opportunities and economic stability. This manuscript explores the relationship between AI adoption, low-skilled employment dynamics, and its implications using key economic indicators such as inflation, interest rates, and foreign direct investment (FDI). Employing the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) approach from 2012Q1 to 2021Q4, the study's findings reveal a significant negative correlation between artificial intelligence and low-skilled employment in the long run. Granger causality tests reveal directional relationships, with AI investment unidirectionally causing low-skilled employment. As a policy implication, this study recommends implementing training programs to equip workers with the necessary skills to adapt to the evolving job market influenced by technological advancements. Additionally, it suggests monitoring the implementation of AI technologies and establishing policies to mitigate labor market disruptions.
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spelling doaj-art-c8ff317ddad34df9a68839d4407f7ed42025-08-20T01:59:34ZengElsevierHeliyon2405-84402024-12-011023e4064010.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40640The relationship between artificial intelligence and low-skilled employment in South AfricaFiyinfoluwa Giwa0Nicholas Ngepah1Corresponding author.; School of Economics, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, South AfricaSchool of Economics, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, South AfricaAs artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, its impact on employment is a topic of concern. In South Africa, where low-skilled labor forms a significant portion of the workforce, the integration of AI technologies raises questions about the future of employment opportunities and economic stability. This manuscript explores the relationship between AI adoption, low-skilled employment dynamics, and its implications using key economic indicators such as inflation, interest rates, and foreign direct investment (FDI). Employing the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) approach from 2012Q1 to 2021Q4, the study's findings reveal a significant negative correlation between artificial intelligence and low-skilled employment in the long run. Granger causality tests reveal directional relationships, with AI investment unidirectionally causing low-skilled employment. As a policy implication, this study recommends implementing training programs to equip workers with the necessary skills to adapt to the evolving job market influenced by technological advancements. Additionally, it suggests monitoring the implementation of AI technologies and establishing policies to mitigate labor market disruptions.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024166716E24J23O33
spellingShingle Fiyinfoluwa Giwa
Nicholas Ngepah
The relationship between artificial intelligence and low-skilled employment in South Africa
Heliyon
E24
J23
O33
title The relationship between artificial intelligence and low-skilled employment in South Africa
title_full The relationship between artificial intelligence and low-skilled employment in South Africa
title_fullStr The relationship between artificial intelligence and low-skilled employment in South Africa
title_full_unstemmed The relationship between artificial intelligence and low-skilled employment in South Africa
title_short The relationship between artificial intelligence and low-skilled employment in South Africa
title_sort relationship between artificial intelligence and low skilled employment in south africa
topic E24
J23
O33
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024166716
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