Tech leaders push AI reskilling as global job-loss fears reach record levels

Business leaders at the WSJ Tech Council Summit this week called for urgent investment in AI reskilling, as a new Pew Research Center survey shows majorities in 34 of 37 countries expect AI to eliminate more jobs than it creates over the next 20 years. The survey, covering 42,151 people across 36 countries from February to May, found 71% of U.S. adults predict AI-driven job loss, up seven points in two years. Concern is highest in wealthier nations, with about seven in ten adults in Australia and South Korea sharing this view. McKinsey senior partner Kate Smaje urged companies to match technology spending with equal investment in change management and upskilling. Globally, a median of 37% of respondents are more concerned than excited about AI, with Israel the only country where excitement prevails.