Automation index

Can AI do the work of a Economist?

Pulling a dataset and a first chart is instant. Deciding which model holds, and explaining it to a ministry, is not.

It also does not predict how many people will lose their jobs.

Task comparison

IS WORK OVER?

30%

AI or a robot can already do 30% of this job.

#38 / 103

Economist

Score = Σ (weight × saving). Weight is our estimate from frequency, not a time share published by O*NET. Saving is separate.

Weights are our estimate from O*NET frequency (FT). O*NET does not publish % of the week.

Task	Share	AI	Adds
Clean data, estimate and produce tables. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	22%	52%	+11.4
Draft notes, briefs and a first paper. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	18%	45%	+8.1
Choose model, assumptions and robustness. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	16%	22%	+3.5
Present to a client, ministry or board. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	16%	15%	+2.4
Debate, peer-review and defend the numbers. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	14%	12%	+1.7
Read the political context and data quality. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	14%	18%	+2.5
Total	100%		30%

Modelled week 100% · Public evidence 0% · Estimate 100% · Confidence: Low

IS WORK OVER?

28%

#52 / 103

Barista

Score = Σ (weight × saving). Weight is our estimate from frequency, not a time share published by O*NET. Saving is separate.

Weights are our estimate from O*NET frequency (FT). O*NET does not publish % of the week.

Task	Share	AI	Adds
Prepare or serve hot or cold beverages, such as coffee, espresso drinks, blended coffees, or teas. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	9%	28%	+2.5
Receive and process customer payments. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	8%	28%	+2.2
Take customer orders and convey them to other employees for preparation. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	8%	28%	+2.2
Describe menu items to customers, or suggest products that might appeal to them. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	7%	28%	+2
Serve prepared foods, such as muffins, biscotti, or bagels. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	7%	28%	+2
Prepare or serve menu items, such as sandwiches or salads. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	7%	28%	+2
Clean or sanitize work areas, utensils, or equipment. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	6%	28%	+1.7
Clean service or seating areas. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	6%	28%	+1.7
Other less frequent tasks (weight estimated from frequency). Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	42%	28%	+11.8
Total	100%		28%

Modelled week 100% · Public evidence 0% · Estimate 100% · Confidence: Low