Artificial intelligence and labour markets through the lens of global value chain theory
Abstract
The study examines how analogies drawn from global value chain (GVC) theory can help interpret the labour-market effects of artificial intelligence (AI). It builds on three GVC themes: the task-based perspective, upgrading, and the limits of geographical fragmentation. The article concludes that (1) the relative value of human input and labour’s share of GDP are likely to continue falling as AI-generated value added grows; and (2) predictions of AI-induced technological unemployment based on task exposure and those based on disappearing jobs will gradually converge. The author argues that although human labour still holds several absolute advantages, preserving them requires that workers and organizations use AI in ways that complement rather than erode human capabilities.
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