Forty years ago, the introduction of electronic spreadsheets like VisiCalc marked a transformative moment in computation. This innovation redefined how people worked with numbers and data, elevating efficiency and precision while rendering some traditional skills obsolete. For those unable to adapt, the transition from calculators to spreadsheets often signalled the end of their careers.
AI is not just a tool; it’s a transformative force that redefines how we approach work, collaboration and innovation.The shift from calculators to spreadsheets offers valuable lessons for embracing AI. Research indicates that AI can increase workplace efficiency by up to 40%, particularly benefiting medium to low performers. This democratisation of productivity mirrors the impact spreadsheets had on levelling the playing field in data analysis.The prospect of artificial general intelligence – AI systems capable of human-level reasoning – amplifies this potential further.