Abstract
The use of intelligent technologies in companies is changing the way we work. Artificial intelligence (AI) has a direct impact on how work is organized. This leads to changes in work tasks, skills requirements, and productivity. AI also impacts working conditions and the well-being of employees in the workplace. The transdisciplinary research project ai:conomics aims to expand the scientific knowledge on the effects of AI on work and employees. To this end, ai:conomics conducted controlled field studies in the first project phase from 2021 to 2024 in large companies
in Germany and the Netherlands that have introduced AI tools for various purposes. The direct
impact of AI implementation on job characteristics, skill profiles, employee preferences and perceptions, and productivity was measured using performance metrics. The findings were linked to general developments in the German labor market and complemented by differentiated analyses of AI-related changes using German register data. The knowledge generated in this way serves as a solid evidence-based foundation to better understand and consciously shape the future of work and the use of human-centered AI. The research project is based on an innovative approach of co-creative collaboration between researchers, employers, employees, technology experts
and works council members. In this way, it was possible to shape and pursue knowledge interests as
well as the design and implementation of research in the dynamic field of operational AI use in an agile partnership. During the project, trans-sectoral exchange between stakeholders from business, politics, science, and civil society was encouraged. As a result, the scientific knowledge gained was complemented through practice-oriented discourse and findings were quickly transferred to the debate among interest groups, experts, and the public. Further information on the project, its content and results can be found on the project website.
in Germany and the Netherlands that have introduced AI tools for various purposes. The direct
impact of AI implementation on job characteristics, skill profiles, employee preferences and perceptions, and productivity was measured using performance metrics. The findings were linked to general developments in the German labor market and complemented by differentiated analyses of AI-related changes using German register data. The knowledge generated in this way serves as a solid evidence-based foundation to better understand and consciously shape the future of work and the use of human-centered AI. The research project is based on an innovative approach of co-creative collaboration between researchers, employers, employees, technology experts
and works council members. In this way, it was possible to shape and pursue knowledge interests as
well as the design and implementation of research in the dynamic field of operational AI use in an agile partnership. During the project, trans-sectoral exchange between stakeholders from business, politics, science, and civil society was encouraged. As a result, the scientific knowledge gained was complemented through practice-oriented discourse and findings were quickly transferred to the debate among interest groups, experts, and the public. Further information on the project, its content and results can be found on the project website.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | ROA |
| Pages | 1-6 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Publication status | Published - 17 Mar 2025 |
Publication series
| Series | ROA External Reports |
|---|---|
| Number | ai:conomics Policy Brief March 2025 |
| Volume | 09b |