A.I. Confidence High in Nordic, Asian OECD Countries

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has unveiled findings on global attitudes toward Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The study assesses the potential of AI through the lens of various countries, focusing on future-ready skills for challenges like climate change and technological advancements.

Citizens in Nordic and some Asian OECD members rank highest in trusting AI’s positive potential.

In countries such as Iceland, Japan, South Korea, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Germany, more than half of the adults surveyed in 2021 believe AI will impact society beneficially within two decades.

These nations report lower levels of skepticism towards AI, with only 14% in Iceland and up to 31% in Germany expressing doubts.

Conversely, in Portugal, Chile, Luxembourg, Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Belgium, Costa Rica, France, and Colombia, mistrust is more common, peaking at 52% in Portugal.

Spain shows more balance, with a slight majority of 47% having positive views against 40% having concerns.

Overall, in the OECD, optimism slightly outweighs pessimism, with 42% foreseeing AI as helpful compared to 35% expecting adverse effects.

The study also points out differences in perception across genders and education levels.

Women and those without a university degree are more likely to express long-term concern about AI than men and university-educated individuals.

Though the demand for AI skills is not high yet, interest has grown from 0.30% to 0.40% in job listings from 2019 to 2022 among a group of 15 OECD countries.

Spain, initially behind, has now surpassed the average, jumping to 0.5425% in 2022. The United States remains the leader with 0.8381%.

Job opportunities in AI are mainly found in information and communication technologies, professional activities, and the manufacturing sector.

This OECD report provides insight into the varying global perceptions of AI and its emerging role in the workforce.