A new joint study by Coface and the Observatory of Threatened and Emerging Jobs has found that artificial intelligence is set to reshape global employment, with around one in eight occupations facing deep transformation as automation expands into cognitive and skilled work.
The report shows that approximately 12.5% of professions now exceed the 30% threshold of automatable tasks—a level considered capable of fundamentally altering job structures and responsibilities.
Unlike previous waves of automation driven by robotics, AI is increasingly targeting complex, non-routine tasks performed by highly skilled professionals. Sectors most exposed include engineering, IT, finance, legal services, and administrative roles, alongside creative and analytical professions.
In contrast, occupations requiring physical activity or human interaction—such as construction, manufacturing, transport, and care services—remain less vulnerable, with exposure levels typically below 10%.
AI Reshaping Knowledge Economies
The study highlights that more than a quarter of work content in management, finance, law, and engineering sectors could be automated, signaling a structural shift in value creation across knowledge-based industries.
This transition marks a major turning point, as automation moves beyond repetitive tasks into high-value cognitive functions—long considered the most secure segment of the labor market.
Regional Exposure Varies
Exposure to AI-driven automation differs significantly across countries. Advanced economies with strong service and knowledge sectors—such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Ireland—face higher exposure levels, while economies reliant on manual and service-based roles show more moderate impact.
Commenting on the regional outlook, Mohamad Jomaa, CEO for GCC and Egypt at Coface, said the UAE and Saudi Arabia are accelerating efforts to position themselves as global AI hubs through large-scale investments in infrastructure and computing capacity.
Beyond Jobs: Economic and Social Impact
Beyond employment, the study warns of broader implications. AI could shift value creation from labor to capital, placing pressure on tax systems and increasing demand for social protection mechanisms.
It also raises questions about the future of education and workforce readiness, as employers may increasingly prioritize adaptability, judgment, and AI-complementary skills over traditional qualifications.
A Structural Transformation Underway
The study concludes that AI is no longer confined to the margins of the workforce but is rapidly integrating into core economic functions. As adoption accelerates, the transformation is expected to reshape job structures, redefine productivity, and alter economic balances globally.
