The Ethical and Economic Considerations of AI Workforce Transformation: Implications for Society, Policymakers, and Education Systems

Prashant Singh Yadav

Chapter 11 in The AI Competency Paradox, 2026, pp 237-264 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This chapter presents a comprehensive theoretical framework for understanding the systematic tensions created by technological disruption in workforce transformation, with artificial intelligence serving as the contemporary case study. Through analysis of the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs reports and historical technology adoption patterns spanning five centuries, we introduce the Orthogonal Technology Principle and Economic-Societal Impact Matrix as conceptual tools for predicting when technological innovations create mounting societal tensions despite apparent economic benefits. Our analysis reveals that current AI adoption patterns exhibit characteristics historically associated with disruptive technology cycles that systematically undermine foundational human capabilities while optimizing for narrow economic metrics. Using comparative historical analysis—from the printing press (1450s) through contemporary GPS and calculator adoption—we demonstrate recurring patterns of competency displacement and societal adaptation challenges. This chapter provides a predictive assessment framework and intervention strategies applicable across technological domains, establishing a foundation for evidence-based technology policy in an era of accelerating innovation.

Date: 2026
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:fuobcp:978-3-032-11748-9_11

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.springer.com/9783032117489

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-11748-9_11

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Future of Business and Finance from Springer
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().