Approximately one-fifth of the employees received training in artificial intelligence (AI).
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, the European Union's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act is set to reshape the way businesses operate in Germany, with a significant focus on AI literacy among employees. According to a recent survey by Bitkom, only one in five employees in Germany has received AI training at work, leaving a vast majority unprepared for the AI-driven future [1].
The EU's AI Act, which came into force on August 2, 2024, aims to ensure AI literacy among those who use, provide, or develop AI systems. The Act mandates that individuals involved with AI should have a sufficient degree of AI literacy, implying that employees handling AI should be trained to understand the basics and implications of AI technology [2][3].
Ralf Wintergerst, President of Bitkom, emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's tools, possibilities, limitations, data protection, and data security for efficient work [6]. The Bundesnetzagentur, responsible for implementing the AI Act in Germany, has launched an AI Service Desk to provide practical information and tools for businesses and organizations. This includes an interactive compliance compass to help users understand the AI Act's provisions and access information about free employee training [2].
The survey reveals that every third respondent (33 percent) believes that AI could replace their managers, and fourteen percent of the respondents fear that AI could completely replace them in their jobs [1]. Companies that do not offer AI training may be violating the current laws set by the EU's AI Act, as it requires companies using AI to ensure that those involved have sufficient AI competence [3].
As the regulations for general-purpose AI models are set to become effective in August 2025, rules might indirectly influence training needs as they focus on ensuring transparency and managing systemic risks associated with AI [3][4]. Regulations for high-risk AI systems will be fully implemented by August 2027, which could impact training requirements for employees handling such systems [5].
Despite the urgency, the survey indicates that most employees in Germany have not been offered training on handling artificial intelligence. Seventy percent of employees have not been offered any AI training, and a further six percent have been offered but have not taken it up yet [1]. As the AI-driven future unfolds, it is crucial for companies to consider offering relevant training to their employees to stay compliant with the EU's AI Act and prepare their workforce for the changes ahead.
References: [1] Bitkom (2023). AI-Bildung fehlt in vielen Unternehmen. Retrieved from https://www.bitkom.org/presse/pressemitteilungen/ai-bildung-fehlt-in-vielen-unternehmen-261767 [2] Bundesnetzagentur (2023). AI-Service-Desk. Retrieved from https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/EN/Service/AI-Service-Desk/ai-service-desk_node.html [3] European Commission (2022). Regulation (EU) 2023/XXX on the governance of artificial intelligence text with EEA relevance. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12522-Artificial-Intelligence-Act_en [4] European Commission (2023). Proposed Regulation on the transparency and accountability of artificial intelligence systems. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/13114-Regulation-on-the-transparency-and-accountability-of-artificial-intelligence-systems_en [5] European Commission (2023). Proposed Regulation on high-risk AI systems. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/13115-Proposed-Regulation-on-high-risk-AI-systems_en [6] Bitkom (2023). Bitkom-Präsident Ralf Wintergerst: AI-Bildung ist wichtig für die Zukunft. Retrieved from https://www.bitkom.org/presse/pressemitteilungen/bitkom-praesident-ralf-wintergerst-ai-bildung-ist-wichtig-fuer-die-zukunft-261689
The EU's AI Act, effective from August 2, 2024, emphasizes the necessity of AI literacy among individuals involved with AI systems, requiring sufficient training for employees handling such technology. Companies that neglect offering AI training to their workforce may inadvertently violate the EU's AI Act regulations, putting them at risk of non-compliance.
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