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?

24%

#85 / 103

University professor

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
Prep materials, tests and rubrics. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	20%	45%	+9
Papers, grants and reviews. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	16%	38%	+6.1
Teach and tutor. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	20%	12%	+2.4
Supervise theses and examine. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	16%	15%	+2.4
Department meetings and academic admin. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	14%	14%	+2
Actually research and choose the problem. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	14%	16%	+2.2
Total	100%		24%

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