According to labor market economist Enzo Weber of the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) in Nuremberg, artificial intelligence (AI) will not be a solution to overcoming Germany’s skilled worker shortage. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, Weber stated that the lack of skilled personnel cannot simply be addressed by digital transformation. He explained that while technological progress does not automatically mean a decreased need for skilled workers, AI can certainly help make tasks more productive, improve processes, and boost overall prosperity. However, he stressed that AI does not replace competent labor policy, which the country must continue to address internally.
This necessary policy includes improving vocational opportunities-especially for women and immigrants-and ensuring that older employees remain active in the workforce with a sense of perspective rather than burden.
Furthermore, Weber believes that AI will not automatically result in people working fewer hours. If AI is utilized effectively and leads to more productive business models, it can generate greater wealth. On this basis, people might naturally choose to work less, provided they accept a reduction in income. However, he doubts this outcome will happen universally. According to the economist, as wealth increases, expectations, living standards, and demands tend to change.
