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%

#53 / 103

Waiter

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
Collect payments from customers. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	6%	28%	+1.7
Check with customers to ensure that they are enjoying their meals, and take action to correct any problems. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	6%	28%	+1.7
Remove dishes and glasses from tables or counters, and take them to kitchen for cleaning. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	5%	28%	+1.4
Prepare checks that itemize and total meal costs and sales taxes. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	5%	28%	+1.4
Clean tables or counters after patrons have finished dining. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	5%	28%	+1.4
Take orders from patrons for food or beverages. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	5%	28%	+1.4
Write patrons' food orders on order slips, memorize orders, or enter orders into computers for transmittal to kitchen staff. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	5%	28%	+1.4
Inform customers of daily specials. Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	5%	28%	+1.4
Other less frequent tasks (weight estimated from frequency). Estimate No public source pins this saving. It is an estimate of the method.	58%	28%	+16.2
Total	100%		28%

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