Michael Collins on AI: Urges Responsible Adoption to Protect Workers
Michael Collins addressed the arrival of artificial intelligence, outlining its transformative effects on businesses and the need for responsible adoption. He argued that AI should be harnessed to boost efficiency and growth while ensuring workers are supported, retrained and protected.
He opened by welcoming the new appointee to their position and then turned to the immediate reality of AI, saying it is no longer a concept of the future but a present force reshaping work and business.
He described AI as driving efficiency across every sector, automating routine tasks, analysing large volumes of data in seconds, reducing costs and enabling businesses to innovate and grow.
He acknowledged that some jobs will change and some will disappear, and stressed the responsibility to ensure the transition benefits everyone. He called for support, retraining and practical tools to help workers adapt to an evolving workplace.
He emphasised that human endeavour, kindness and creativity cannot be replaced, citing arts, hospitality, healthcare and frontline care roles. He said personal encounters in politics and community life - handshakes, clinic chats and doorstep conversations - are irreplaceable by AI.
He argued that if AI is embraced responsibly, it will build a smarter, more efficient and ultimately more prosperous economy for everyone, rather than something to fear.
Welcoming remarks
He opened by welcoming the new appointee to their position and then turned to the immediate reality of AI, saying it is no longer a concept of the future but a present force reshaping work and business.
AI's business impact
He described AI as driving efficiency across every sector, automating routine tasks, analysing large volumes of data in seconds, reducing costs and enabling businesses to innovate and grow.
Workforce challenges and solutions
He acknowledged that some jobs will change and some will disappear, and stressed the responsibility to ensure the transition benefits everyone. He called for support, retraining and practical tools to help workers adapt to an evolving workplace.
Human roles and limits of AI
He emphasised that human endeavour, kindness and creativity cannot be replaced, citing arts, hospitality, healthcare and frontline care roles. He said personal encounters in politics and community life - handshakes, clinic chats and doorstep conversations - are irreplaceable by AI.
Economic outlook and conclusion
He argued that if AI is embraced responsibly, it will build a smarter, more efficient and ultimately more prosperous economy for everyone, rather than something to fear.
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Transcript
First of all, I would like to welcome you to your new position. I wish you the very best outlook. Artificial intelligence is no longer a concept of the future. It is here and it is already transforming businesses across every sector, from automating routine tasks to analysing vast amounts of data in seconds. AI is driving efficiency, reducing costs and enabling businesses to innovate like never before. But with change comes challenge. AI will have a massive impact on the workforce and it is our responsibility to ensure that this transition benefits everyone, not just a select few. We must embrace AI's potential while protecting workers wherever possible. The reality is that some jobs will change and some will even disappear. But history shows us that every industrial revolution, whether it was the steam engine, electricity or the internet, has led to new opportunities, new industries and new ways of working. AI will be no different. Rather than trying to resist this new technology, we must focus on harnessing its benefits, streamlining operations, improving productivity and allow businesses to grow. At the same time, we must negotiate the challenges, ensuring that workers are restrained or retrained, are supported and given the tools to adapt to an evolving workplace. We firmly believe that AI can improve and enhance efficiency and potential. We know that businesses that embrace AI responsibly will lead the way, ensuring both economic growth and new ways of working. The future of AI business is not something to fear. I firmly believe that human endeavour, kindness and creativity is something that AI will never replace. And in areas of arts and creativity, hospitality and healthcare, where a human touch is so essential, that will remain to be the case. AI will not replace carers, nurses or domestic staff hospitality. They are things that cannot be replaced by AI. And in politics, where a handshake or a chat at a clinic or a doorstep AI cannot replace this. If we get this right, we will build an economy that is smarter, more efficient and ultimately more prosperous for everyone.