UW-Milwaukee research: Adaptation process critical as artificial intelligence transforms the workforce

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee data science professor Rina Ghose shared the results of her research analyzing the impacts of artificial intelligence on the workforce in Wisconsin. Examining trends between 2018 and 2025, Ghose noted that occupations in management, business, science, and arts are the sectors most affected by artificial intelligence, while fields such as natural resources and construction are less impacted.

Conducting her research with a one-year grant from Microsoft, Ghose stated in a presentation to more than 700 participants that artificial intelligence has initiated a transformation process rather than completely eliminating jobs. Noting that Milwaukee leads the state with 870 patents, the researcher recorded that a total of 2,890 artificial intelligence patents were issued across 10 cities between 2022 and 2024.

Responding to participants' concerns about job loss, Ghose emphasized that the changes brought by technology require a learning process and that people can acquire these new competencies. It was also pointed out at the event that artificial intelligence facilitates access to information, but makes it necessary to be more selective in reaching accurate information.