By Juliet Umeh 

A new report by a global public policy, Whiteshield, in collaboration with Google Cloud, has released the 9th edition of the Global Labour Resilience Index, GLRI, at the World Economic Forum, WEF, Annual Meeting in Davos. 

The report highlights AI’s transformative impact on labour markets, exposing stark differences in how nations adapt to this technological shift.

The GLRI assesses labour market resilience in 118 countries using over 70 indicators, emphasizing AI’s dual role as a driver of economic growth and a potential disruptor of jobs and equality. While the United States and Singapore lead due to their strong AI ecosystems, many nations risk being left behind.

The report highlights significant disparities in AI adoption and labour market resilience worldwide. The United States leads in AI investment and innovation, attracting 60% of global AI investments over the past decade and hosting a quarter of the world’s AI startups. Singapore ranks second globally, excelling in governance, business environment, and digital skills.

Europe dominates the top rankings, with six of the 10 most resilient economies, including Sweden, which stands out for its strong investments in education and R&D. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 12 of the 20 lowest-ranked countries are located, yet the region’s youthful population presents opportunities for AI-driven transformation. Meanwhile, the Middle East & North Africa, MENA, region is making progress, with countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia benefiting from strategic AI investments.

Commenting on this, Google’s Global Head of Government Affairs & Public Policy, Karan Bhatia, said: “The GLRI provides a roadmap for harnessing AI’s potential while addressing automation and inequality challenges.”Nobel laureate Sir Christopher Pissarides added: “This report highlights the urgency for proactive policies that ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.”

The GLRI urges policymakers to invest in digital infrastructure, AI literacy, and citizen-focused strategies to prevent economic stagnation and widening inequality.