A new analysis suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) could significantly reduce the need for academic positions in the public sector by 2040. The Danish Employers’ Confederation, in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group, estimates that AI has the potential to save 17% of working hours for highly educated individuals, equivalent to 27,000 full-time positions.

The report highlights the potential of generative AI in tasks such as documentation, record keeping, and case processing, which are primarily performed by academics in the public sector. According to the Danish Employers’ Confederation, freeing up these resources is essential for channeling them to areas of greater need within society.

While the report focuses on 2040, the projected savings translate to an average of slightly over 1% per year, a figure considered significant for the public sector, which has historically struggled with productivity improvements. The chief economist at the Danish Employers’ Confederation notes that this potential comes in addition to other possible productivity gains.

However, a professor of Economic Management at Aalborg University agrees with the analysis’s overall message about AI’s potential to save money in the public sector but questions whether academics will be the only ones affected. He emphasizes the need for skilled professionals to critically evaluate the results produced by AI, suggesting that employees with deep professional skills will be crucial.

The chairman of the trade union Djøf states that academics are not worried about being replaced by AI and are instead curious about its potential and seeking training to utilize it effectively. She also cautions against prematurely assuming savings before fully realizing the benefits of digitization.