AI [Reuters=Yonhap News File Photo]

A chief economist at OpenAI has projected that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) will not lead to the elimination of human jobs.

Ronnie Chatterji, chief economist at OpenAI, expressed the view that "just because a task is exposed to AI does not mean that AI will replace it" during the European Central Bank (ECB) annual workshop held in Sintra, Portugal, Bloomberg reported on the 30th (local time).

He supported this argument by citing the experience of his father, who was also an economist, when he adopted a personal computer (PC) in 1985.

He noted, "My father's work was significantly affected by the PC," but added that "over time, it increased his work efficiency and consequently boosted his productivity."

He explained that previously, performing regression analysis for statistics required the use of punch cards in a room filled with mainframe computers, but after installing a PC, he was able to perform the analysis on his own machine.

He further shared his view that recent job losses in the software (SW) development sector due to AI have not materialized as expected.

He argued, "The prediction that jobs would decrease as AI capabilities increased has not materialized in the way people had anticipated."

He emphasized, "We need to think much more deeply about what jobs are and how they will evolve," adding that "through this deliberation, we will be able to move beyond merely adopting baseless optimistic or pessimistic attitudes and provide meaningful guidance on labor market trends."

While the impact of AI on the economy has emerged as a key issue for major governments and central banks, researchers at the ECB have presented findings suggesting that there are no signs of actual job reductions yet.

ECB President Christine Lagarde stated that while she believes Europe would benefit greatly from rapidly adopting AI, she is paying close attention to the issue of AI-driven job displacement.