Guest Q&A | WANG Huiyao: Digital Divide and AI's Dual Impact

摘要：With the rapid development of the digital transformation and AI, how can we narrow the digital divide between countries and groups

With the rapid development of the digital transformation and AI, how can we narrow the digital divide between countries and groups? What can be done to address the risk of large-scale unemployment caused by the rapid application of AI? How should digital talents and skills be cultivated?

WANG Huiyao

President of Center for China and Globalization (CCG)

The widening "digital divide" is the result of the rapid development of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and their interaction with existing governance systems. Under current conditions, this divide cannot be naturally bridged. Without intervention, the inequalities of the digital age will only intensify.

To narrow the digital divide between countries and groups, a multi-faceted approach is required. At the national level, efforts should focus on strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing network coverage, and reducing usage costs. Simultaneously, improving the policy and regulatory environment is crucial by formulating inclusive policies and reinforcing intellectual property protection. It is also essential to promote digital skills education, integrating it into the education system and offering vocational training.

At the international level, the role of international organizations should be reinforced, coordinating resources and establishing international standards and guidelines. Sharing of technologies and resources should be encouraged through South-South and North-South cooperation, and the creation of digital technology-sharing platforms should be supported.

At the enterprise and societal level, businesses should been couraged to fulfill their social responsibilities, such as adapting products and services to be more age-friendly or accessible, and offering discounts or free services to vulnerable groups. Additionally, fostering a digital-friendly social atmosphere through publicity, training activities, and establishing digital mutual assistance mechanisms is essential.

The rapid development of AI technology has indeed had a profound impact on certain industries, especially those that rely on repetitive tasks and low-skilled labor. However, it has also brought new opportunities to the job market, driving the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, and giving rise to new business models and employment opportunities. Of course, we cannot ignore the employment polarization caused by AI development. High-skilled workers in AI-driven industries tend to earn higher incomes and enjoy better career prospects, while low-skilled workers may face greater job pressure and the risk of declining wages. Therefore, governments and all sectors of society need to take effective measures to address this issue. For example, strengthening vocational education and skills training to improve workers' skill levels and employability; improving the social security system to provide basic livelihood support and reemployment assistance for the unemployed; and promoting industrial upgrading and transformation to create more high-quality jobs.