The article highlights how next-generation AI systems increasingly rely on capturing employees’ implicit knowledge, the experience and intuition developed through daily work. This raises complex questions around data ownership, employee consent and the potential impact on job security, especially as such knowledge may be used to automate tasks.

While technological progress cannot be halted, Kris De Schutter stresses that job security in its traditional form is becoming less certain. Some roles will inevitably be transformed or replaced by AI. In this context, the focus should shift towards supporting employees through change, including reskilling and the development of new career paths.

The discussion also underlines the importance of social dialogue, transparency and fair compensation mechanisms when organisations seek to leverage employee knowledge for AI development. As the legal framework is still evolving, companies will need to carefully balance innovation with employee trust and engagement.

This interview was originally published in De Tijd. The full article is available here (paywalled).