While we see a lack of awareness, even distrust, regarding the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), it is interesting to see if young Quebecers seem more inclined to see AI as an opportunity for their future professional life than their elders.
If 90% of young professionals under the age of 35 surveyed by Léger as part of the Let’s work together project of the Regroupement des Jeunes Chambres de Commerce du Québec (RJCCQ) believe they know AI, only 34% say they are familiar with the subject. And 56% admit to having a “fairly poor” level of knowledge of AI. This general and superficial knowledge is partly explained by the fact that they are often exposed to AI through social networks and their circles of friends, which gives them a vague knowledge which deserves to be deepened.
As stakeholders, we have a responsibility to raise awareness and highlight the immense potential of this constantly evolving technology.
An area to be demystified because it is poorly known
Are you the manager of an SME and have neither time nor resources to explore AI? Are you an entrepreneur who doesn’t see the cost-benefit advantage of using it compared to your current priorities? On the employee side, you may be interested in using AI, but you may have received instructions not to use it for any reason (the company is assessing risks, etc.) .). What to do ?
First, we must first understand what AI does and allows, its operating constraints as well as its risks. And how they can be mixed in order to appreciate the potential benefits for your organization.
Second, identify a few use cases relevant to your organization that address market challenges or opportunities, starting with short-term benefits.
Three, explore and evaluate these different use cases according to your internal and external environment (human resources, technology, etc.) in order to identify a case with which to experiment. All while continuing your learning internally, taking into account your restrictions.
Four, experiment for a given period – or within a specific framework – using AI in a chosen case. Make sure you have a well-defined framework and objectives so that you can learn from it and understand the benefits.
Finally, five, evaluate the issues and benefits observed during the experiment. What risks have been identified? What measures can be put in place to counter them? This learning will allow you to determine the extent of the opportunities and benefits in relation to the costs of this technology and what must be put in place to mitigate its limits and risks.
There are so many areas that AI can help you transform. We have many examples of this. Young professionals can make better decisions with AI-driven risk assessment tools. A young Quebec professional could participate in the development of AI algorithms for the early detection of diseases.
An area to demystify because it is scary
Beyond the unknown, when we ask young people about what scares them with the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace, for 54% of them, it is the negative impacts on human relationships and the possibility of losing your job.
Ethics, loss of control, the dissemination of false information and the issues of confidentiality and protection of personal data are the issues that concern them. Good ideas to deconstruct, therefore, to change the perceptions of those under 35!
No less than 36% of young professionals surveyed as part of the Let’s Work Together project believe that AI will have a positive impact and give them new professional opportunities, compared to only 27% of 36-64 year olds. Also, the deeper the knowledge of artificial intelligence, the more we realize that the perception of this technology seems to be positive. Individuals informed and trained on AI appreciate how this technology can solve complex problems.
Considering that the sustainability of our businesses relies on the ability to adapt and innovate, artificial intelligence must be seen as a new skill to master, explore, supervise and experiment with.
AI technologies are incommensurable for improving the productivity of businesses and the entire Quebec population. Will you board the train or will you be downgraded?