A consortium of tech giants, including Cisco, Accenture, Eightfold, Google, IBM, Indeed, Intel, Microsoft, and SAP, along with six advisors, unveiled AI-Enabled Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Workforce Consortium.
This initiative aims to address the challenges posed by AI and facilitate upskilling and reskilling efforts for job roles most likely to be affected by artificial intelligence.
The consortium, catalyzed by the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council’s (TTC) Talent for Growth Task Force, is set to delve into the repercussions of AI on ICT jobs, streamline access to relevant training programs for workers, and bridge the gap between businesses and skilled professionals.
The Consortium will analyze how AI is reshaping job requirements and skills, aiming to prepare a report offering actionable insights for both employers and employees. Details regarding the consortium’s plans will be disclosed in the upcoming months, with a focus on providing practical recommendations to assist businesses in preparing their workforce for the AI-driven future.
Members of the consortium represent leading companies at the forefront of AI innovation, collectively acknowledging the imperative to address the workforce challenges stemming from AI advancements. Leveraging their expertise, the consortium aims to formulate actionable strategies to equip workers with relevant skills and ensure a smooth transition to AI-enabled environments.
Nicole Helmer, Vice President & Global Head of Development Learning at SAP
Amy Pannoni, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, HR Legal at Microsoft
Christy Pambianchi, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Intel
Hannah Calhoon, Head of AI Innovation at Indeed
Gian Luigi Cattaneo, Vice President, Human Resources, IBM EMEA
Lisa Gevelber, Founder, Grow with Google
Ashutosh Garg, CEO and Co-Founder, Eightfold AI
Ellyn Shook, chief leadership & human resources officer, Accenture
Francine Katsoudas, Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer at Cisco, emphasized the significance of private sector involvement in facilitating workforce adaptation to the AI revolution, highlighting the consortium’s mission to provide vital insights and skills to organizations and workers alike.
The initiative is inspired by the TTC’s Talent for Growth Task Force, led by Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco, and supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce. This underscores the commitment of both the public and private sectors to collaborate in promoting competitiveness and prosperity through technology cooperation.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, commended the establishment of the consortium, emphasizing its role in addressing the evolving workforce needs in light of rapid AI development. The consortium’s work is poised to provide unprecedented insights into the skill requirements of AI-integrated jobs, contributing to economic and national security.
The Consortium’s primary focus will be on evaluating the impact of AI on 56 ICT job roles, offering training recommendations tailored to address the evolving demands of these positions. By targeting key job titles across the United States and major European countries, the consortium aims to address the needs of approximately 10 million ICT workers in these regions.
Furthermore, consortium members have committed to ambitious goals aimed at upskilling and reskilling millions of individuals worldwide over the next decade. These goals include initiatives such as Cisco’s plan to train 25 million people in cybersecurity and digital skills by 2032 and IBM’s commitment to skill 30 million individuals in digital skills, including 2 million in AI, by 2030.
