The Impact of AI in the STEM Workplace

The Role of AI in STEM

Respondents in the latest Global Talent Trends and Insights report, conducted in collaboration between SRG and New Scientist, have shared their thoughts – and potential fears – surrounding the impact of AI on STEM.

With AI becoming a bigger part of the technological landscape across most industries, the report suggests that it is already making its presence felt within STEM’s workforce, with many expecting the influence – whether it’s positive or negative – of Artificial Intelligence to continue growing in the near and distant future.

How AI in STEM is Already Making its Mark

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence has been discussed, developed and implemented with glowing references and reports on how it has the power to significantly change – for the better – the way we work, live and go about our day to day lives.

Within STEM, the story is no different. Industries and organisations within the sector are already utilising the power of AI to transform working practices, revolutionising the way they operate. Life Sciences in particular is already showcasing AI and its seemingly limitless applications; in Pharma for example, Artificial Intelligence is helping to accelerate research and the discovery of new drugs and treatments for a variety of illnesses and conditions that may have taken years to develop without it.

However, AI is already showcasing the power to not only create, but to eliminate too – whilst the introduction of Artificial Intelligence is requiring the introduction of some new roles, opening employment opportunities, it is also removing the need for some existing ones. What this means exactly for the STEM workforce is unclear, with Andrew Turner – Managing Director at SRG UK – reporting that “The industry is embracing AI, but we don’t yet know how it will evolve.”

The Impact of AI on the STEM Workforce: Our Insights Overview

Based on answers to questions on the impact of AI on the workplaces and workforces within STEM, our insights suggest that Artificial Intelligence is already impacting people and their roles in a variety of ways, and that most of those people expect the influence of AI to continue and grow.

How is Technology Used in STEM?

For example, the report found that 60% of respondents believed AI is already making them more efficient, with 78% expecting it will make them more efficient in future. Furthermore, 50% of those asked believed that AI was so influential that it would alter the nature of their job entirely. Tracy Monsour – Sr. Vice President of Marketing, Impellam – associates these findings with the belief that “Greater efficiency allows people to focus on more strategic thinking.”

In contrast, as explained by Monsour, “Most people don’t understand what the impact will be in the near term, let alone the longer term” – a statement supported by statistics from the report highlighting that significant numbers of respondents believe AI will have little or no impact on their jobs.

And, despite common perceptions that ‘AI isn’t here to just take part; it is here to take over’, our insights showcase largely positive thoughts about the impact of Artificial Intelligence and how it will shape workplaces and workforces in the future. In fact, more than three-quarters of people asked were not concerned about AI making them, or their roles, redundant; though a quarter did show concern regarding AI’s ability to replace them ultimately.

AI Impact Statistics 2024

For a detailed analysis and summary of our full AI Impact statistics, as well as valuable insights into salary expectations, the gender pay gap and equality, diversity and inclusion in STEM, download your copy of SRG’s Global Talent Trends & Insights 2024 below.

DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY OF THE 2024 GLOBAL TALENT TRENDS & INSIGHTS REPORT

About the data: SRG and New Scientist surveyed over 4,000 STEM professionals working in the Engineering, Medtech, Biotech, Pharmaceutical, FMCG, Chemical, Clinical sectors as well as Academia. 55% of respondents were from the UK, 33% of respondents were from North America, and 12% of respondents were from Europe.