The Weekly Bash - Edition 2

Suggested questions:

I’m a research analyst. Should I be worried about the impact of AI on my job?
How should we think about implementing AI at our company?
What is actionable advice you can give me based on this week’s news?

Sources:

Microsoft Launches AI-powered Office Assistant for Enterprise Customers

Microsoft has quietly launched its new AI-powered Office assistant, Microsoft 365 Copilot, for enterprise customers. This assistant, available at a premium of $30 per month per user, allows businesses to summarize documents, generate emails, create plans from notes, and improve Excel analysis. While the launch is happening now, it is more like a preorder event, and customers need to call their Microsoft account representative to purchase the assistant. During a paid early access program, more than 600 enterprise customers tested the Microsoft 365 Copilot. Microsoft has high hopes for the assistant, with Forrester Research predicting that 6.9 million US knowledge workers will be using it in 2024. **Key takeaways:** - Microsoft has launched its AI-powered Office assistant, Microsoft 365 Copilot, for enterprise customers at a premium price. - The assistant offers features like document summarization, email generation, plan creation, and Excel analysis improvement. - More than 600 enterprise customers have already tested Microsoft 365 Copilot during a paid early access program. - Microsoft expects millions of US knowledge workers to be using the assistant by 2024, according to Forrester Research.

Joe Biden's Executive Order on AI

Joe Biden's Executive Order on AI Aims to Strengthen US Government and National Security President Joe Biden signed an executive order focused on artificial intelligence (AI) that includes measures to enhance US tech talent and ensure the responsible use of AI to safeguard national security. The order requires companies developing powerful AI technology, like OpenAI's ChatGPT, to report key information to the government, such as training new models and cybersecurity protections. It also directs companies with large-scale computing clusters to disclose their activity to better understand the AI capabilities of various entities. Furthermore, the order calls for the evaluation of AI outputs' potential for biological or chemical attacks and cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. The executive order also emphasizes the importance of talent and calls for attracting more AI experts and researchers to the government through a dedicated job portal and training programs. The order also seeks to address unintended harmful effects of AI in sectors like housing and healthcare by providing tools and guidance for government employees when purchasing AI services from private companies. While the order mainly applies to federal agencies, experts suggest that federal lawmakers could make compliance a requirement for state and local law enforcement agencies as well to enhance the standards for AI deployment in criminal justice and policing. The executive order demonstrates the US government's commitment to harnessing AI's potential while ensuring safety, security, and trust. **Key takeaways** - President Joe Biden has signed an executive order focusing on artificial intelligence, with measures to enhance US tech talent and responsible AI use. - The order requires companies developing powerful AI technology to report key information to the government, including training new models and cybersecurity protections. - Companies with large-scale computing clusters must disclose their activities to help understand various entities' AI capabilities. - The order highlights the evaluation of AI outputs' potential for attacks on critical infrastructure and emphasizes attracting AI experts and researchers to the government through a dedicated job portal and training programs. - Tools and guidance will be provided to address unintended harmful effects of AI in sectors like housing and healthcare.

Winner and Losers in the Coming AI Job Apocalypse

As the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) disrupts white-collar jobs, blue-collar jobs are poised for growth. Skilled trades, manual labor, and jobs that combine physical, knowledge, and social work will not be easily replaced by AI. In fact, industries such as healthcare, green energy, high-tech manufacturing, and construction are expected to see job booms as older Americans retire and demand increases. The winners in the AI revolution will be the technicians, nurses, and plumbers who keep the new economy running. While automation will affect certain job sectors, nonroutine physical tasks requiring personal interaction are less likely to be disrupted. Overall, blue-collar jobs provide steady work, upward mobility, fair compensation, and career support. **Key takeaways** 1. Blue-collar jobs are expected to see growth amidst the rise of AI. 2. Industries such as healthcare, green energy, and construction will experience job booms. 3. Jobs requiring nonroutine physical tasks and personal interaction are less likely to be replaced by AI. 4. Blue-collar jobs provide steady work, upward mobility, fair compensation, and career support. 5. AI adoption in the workplace can improve safety and productivity in blue-collar jobs.

How AI Can Become A True Productivity Booster

With the rise of AI, tasks that were once done by humans, such as customer service and meeting management, are now being automated. However, the impact of AI on productivity is still uncertain. Looking at previous technological advancements, such as networked computers, we can see that while some tasks become easier, there is also the risk of creating new layers of bureaucracy and causing task overload. Digital transformation has also been a challenge, with duplicated IT systems and disjointed digital identities. To ensure the successful integration of AI, expectations must be managed, true needs must be identified, and disruption should be introduced gradually. AI is not a magic solution, but with careful implementation, it can significantly enhance productivity. **Key takeaways** - AI is automating tasks in the workplace, but its impact on productivity is still uncertain. - Previous technological advancements have shown both benefits and risks, such as increased bureaucracy and task overload. - Digital transformation has often resulted in duplications and disjointed systems. - To successfully integrate AI, expectations must be managed, true needs must be identified, and disruption should be introduced gradually. - AI is not a magic solution, but with careful implementation, it can enhance productivity in the workplace.

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