Artificial intelligence controlled the discussions at Davos during the previous year because people wanted to know whether machines would replace human workers.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) experienced a major change in its atmosphere during this week. Leaders CEOs and policymakers at the event replaced their anxious behavior with a new focus on creating employment opportunities which they referred to as “Jobs, jobs, jobs.”
People now see AI as a technology that creates work opportunities while enhancing productivity and driving economic development.
From Fear to Opportunity
Executives across industries argued that AI is not eliminating work but reshaping it. The speakers explained that although some routine jobs will vanish new positions will be created at a faster rate than expected.
“Every major technological shift has created more jobs than it destroyed,” a senior technology executive said during a panel discussion. “AI is no different — but it does demand reskilling at scale.”
Davos dedicated its entire attention to reskilling and upskilling and workforce transition because businesses recognized that their investment in employees needed to match their investment in technological development.
Governments Push for AI-Driven Employment
Government leaders expressed their positive outlook because they presented national plans which would create new jobs through AI technology implementation. The participating nations demonstrated their training programs which developed workers in data science, AI operations, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.
The real danger according to policymakers exists because organizations have not yet developed their workforce skills needed to work in an economy that relies on AI technology.
“If we get skills right, AI becomes a jobs multiplier,” a European minister noted.
Businesses See Productivity Boom
The primary advantage of artificial intelligence for businesses stems from its capacity to increase workforce productivity without diminishing human jobs. Companies spoke of using AI to automate repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on creativity, problem-solving and strategic decision-making.
Executives from manufacturing, healthcare, finance and retail shared examples of AI helping create entirely new roles — from AI trainers and ethics officers to prompt engineers and automation supervisors.
Cautious Optimism Remains
The speakers at Davos maintained a positive atmosphere yet they recognized the need for protective measures. The discussion continues to address ethical matters together with data security issues and the rapid changes in employment needs.
The current situation differs from past years because these particular issues have lost their central role in public discussions.
Davos 2026 established a new direction for artificial intelligence which transformed from its role as a disruptive force into an employment machine for those who use responsible and inclusive practices.
A New AI Narrative
The forum reached its end after which it showed that AI will be evaluated through its job creation capacity and the effectiveness of societal training for upcoming workforce requirements.
At Davos this year, the verdict was unanimous: the age of AI is about work — not without people, but with them.
