Unfounded fear of artificial intelligence

Description

Expert discussion with Deputy Governor Dr. Pernkopf in St. Pölten.

Subject

Few topics are currently causing more uncertainty than artificial intelligence. Many people fear that computer programs replacing work processes will primarily threaten their jobs. However, according to experts, this concern is unfounded from today's perspective.

The labor market will undergo a transformation through the use of artificial intelligence (AI), it was stated at a meeting of leading experts from the universities of applied sciences in St. Pölten, Krems, and Wiener Neustadt, as well as Danube University Krems, with Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf (ÖVP), who is responsible for science. This transformation, however, does not mean a mass extinction of jobs, but often even the opportunity to replace missing workers.

While the necessary know-how exists for this further development, there is insufficient infrastructure. One challenge in this context is the emigration of skilled workers abroad. Furthermore, a data center shared by several research institutions is needed to apply AI, said Deepak Dhungana, head of the Institute for Digitalization and Computer Science at the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems. Pernkopf announced talks with the federal government to create infrastructure and increase computing power.

"Making life easier"

"I think artificial intelligence can make our lives easier. It can take over unpleasant tasks if it is used correctly," said Marlies Temper, professor at the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences. "We have a great deal of expertise and skilled workers in Austria, but we have to make sure we don't fall behind in Europe," explained the head of the Data Intelligence and Data Science and Business Analytics degree programs.

Furthermore, it is important to get students excited about computer science and technology so that the number of students in this field also increases. Because: "The idea that you sit in the basement and program is wrong," says Marlies Temper.

AI is just a tool

The participants agreed that AI is more of a tool. Just like with a kitchen knife, a circular saw, or a hammer, you have to know how to use it, emphasized Stefan Oppl, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Art, and Architecture at the University of Continuing Education Krems.

One of the major challenges of the coming years is to establish widespread expertise and knowledge on the subject. "AI has an impact on our everyday lives, and we must address this in research and education," explained Selim Erol, Head of the Institute for Industrial Engineering and Management at the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt.

AI offers potential applications, for example, in the context of the climate and energy transition or in the healthcare sector, said Pernkopf. One research project is exploring its use in developing better self-driving cars, reported Dhungana. Erol, in turn, cited error detection in production processes and medical diagnostics as further areas of application.

According to the state government, Lower Austria offers more than 1,500 places in 21 degree programs focused on artificial intelligence. In the area of ​​digitalization, there is ten million euros in research funding from the state, in addition to federal funds.