Computer scientist and venture capitalist Kai-Fu Lee is no stranger to bold statements. Back in 2017, he predicted that artificial intelligence (AI) would replace at least half of the global workforce by 2027. Now, in 2024, with just three years left on the clock, Lee stands by his prediction, even calling it “uncannily accurate.”
Lee, a tech industry veteran with experience at Apple, Microsoft, and Google, believes AI’s impact will be far-reaching. While acknowledging uniquely human skills that AI may never possess, Lee highlights repetitive tasks like truck driving, telemarketing, and assembly line work as prime candidates for automation.
This automation, Lee argues, won’t be a simple reshuffling of jobs. He envisions AI as a foundational technology surpassing the impact of electricity or the internet. In an interview with Fortune, Lee addressed the criticisms he received for his initial prediction: “People have criticized me for being too aggressive… But when you look at generative AI [like ChatGPT], I think everybody’s on the bandwagon and believing that is the correct pace.”
Will China Will Overtake the U.S. in AI
Lee’s confidence also stems from his belief that China will be a leader in AI development. As founder and chairman of Sinovation Ventures, a VC firm focused on tech products, and founder of 01.AI, an AI startup targeting the Chinese market, Lee is deeply invested in the future of AI in China.
Whether Lee’s prediction holds true remains to be seen, but his continued conviction and experience in the tech world make his claims impossible to ignore. The coming years will be crucial in determining the true impact of AI on the global job market.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
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