Human Capabilities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Learning Machines

In her talk, Professor Anoush Margaryan addressed the challenges posed by the skills agenda in the era of AI, pointing out significant gaps in the current discussions about AI and skills. She stressed the need to focus on broader human capabilities, particularly agentic qualities like intentionality, forethought, self-reactiveness, and self-reflectiveness, rather than just technical skills. Margaryan argued that while AI is often seen as either a competitor or a collaborator, it should be viewed primarily as a tool. Recognizing this distinction is essential for effectively navigating the changing dynamics between humans and AI in the workplace. She wrapped up her presentation by calling for more comprehensive empirical research on AI-related capabilities, advocating for a mix of direct and indirect measures to better understand how these capabilities develop over time.