The discussion surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) has long ceased to be a science fiction scenario or a theoretical exercise for computer science academics. Today, it represents a pressing economic reality reshaping the global labor landscape. In his recent interventions, George Doukidis, Professor at the Department of Management Science and Technology at the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), sounds the alarm—and highlights the opportunity—for the Greek economy, noting that "realignment" is not just a word, but an inevitable process of survival.
Which Professions are in the "Crosshairs"
According to Professor Doukidis's analysis, the distinguishing feature of the current Generative AI revolution compared to previous waves of automation is that it no longer threatens only manual labor, but primarily "white-collar" jobs. Professions based on information processing, text drafting, programming, and basic data analysis are at the forefront of change.
- Administrative Support: Automating office tasks through AI tools drastically reduces the time required for document management and scheduling.
- Legal and Accounting Services: The ability of AI to analyze thousands of pages of contracts or tax data in seconds changes the structure of entry-level positions in these fields.
- Creative Sector and Marketing: Content production (text, image, video) is accelerating, forcing professionals to move from "execution" to "strategic curation."
"It is not AI that will take people's jobs, but people who know how to use AI will replace those who don't," the professor often emphasizes, highlighting the critical issue of skills.
The Greek Paradox: SMEs and the Digital Divide
For Greece, the challenge is twofold. Our economy relies heavily on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), which often lag in digital infrastructure and expertise. Doukidis points out that while large multinationals and banks have already begun integrating AI models, the bulk of the Greek market remains a spectator to these developments.
The problem is not just a lack of capital, but also management culture. Realignment of the labor market requires employers to invest in reskilling and upskilling their existing staff. In Greece, the percentage of employees participating in lifelong learning programs remains low compared to the European average, making the workforce vulnerable to technological disruptions.
From Replacement to Empowerment
Despite fears of mass unemployment, Professor Doukidis's analysis is not pessimistic. On the contrary, he views AI as a "copilot" that can increase productivity and free workers from repetitive, mundane tasks. Emphasis must be placed on "human" skills that AI struggles to replicate: critical thinking, empathy, ethical judgment, and complex problem-solving.
The realignment of the market will also bring new professions that we can barely imagine today. From "AI model trainers" to "algorithm ethics auditors," new jobs will require a combination of technical knowledge and humanities education. The key for Greece is linking higher education with the labor market, so graduates do not enter the world with yesterday's knowledge in a world moving at the speed of tomorrow.
Conclusion: A National Strategy for AI
Doukidis's intervention highlights the need for a coordinated national strategy. Subsidizing software purchases is not enough. It requires a revision of curricula, incentives for digital investments in SMEs, and a safety net for those sectors that will be hardest hit during the transition period. Artificial Intelligence is here, and the realignment has already begun. The question is not whether our work will change, but whether we will be the ones to define the terms of that change.
