Shanghai, 20 December 2017: China’s robot revolution is anticipated to bring disruption and blaze a path to lead on the global stage. The opportunity to create more work in the future for China remains ever promising, even though high technology and accelerating advances in this space have also been identified by some as the cause of job losses. In view of this trend towards robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) giving rise to employment, Michael Page China conducted a survey to evaluate sentiments from the Chinese workforce. The China Robotics & AI Report, released by specialist recruitment firm – Michael Page China, narrates the attitudes of Chinese professionals with regards to the influence of robotics on their respective industries. The report surveyed 1,026 employers and employees in China and demonstrates an upbeat attitude towards robotics and AI. The key result of the study indicates that the majority welcomes robotics and AI, with an overwhelming 92% agreeing that these advances will strengthen China’s competitive edge on the world stage. 91% of those surveyed view robotics and AI to have a positive impact on their current work situation, with 83% stating increased confidence in their future job prospects. An interesting insight, despite market reports around robots taking over jobs, majority of the professionals surveyed were optimistic about retaining their employment. In addition, 84% of the respondents indicated that they were not anxious about being replaced at their current job by a robot. Incidentally, of the 16% who conveyed job security concerns, 48% indicated that this change would not be immediate and would take place over the next decade. Optimistic that robotics will empower China for the future, Peter Smith, Managing Director of Michael Page China, says, “Robotics and AI will be the key contributor to strengthening China’s value-added industries such as the automotive and technology sectors. These have been earmarked for exponential growth in the coming years and is expected to drive job opportunities for the Chinese population. Upskilling the workforce remains at the core of sustained employment for China as the dynamic robotics and AI industries will bring newly created positions with a brand new set of skill requirements.” Other notable observations from the China Robotics & AI Report include: Respondents were realistic about the possible challenges of robotics and AI, and 94% were considering the acquisition of new skills to stay relevant in their respective industries In the wake of robotics and AI, respondents expect the data security (37%), e-commerce (30%), financial technology (26%) and mobile communications (7%) industries to be the greatest job creators According to the findings, the top three possible benefits of robotics and AI are accuracy (75%), increased speed (70%), and higher cost-efficiencies (66%) "Companies who embrace robotics and AI will open doors for newer skilled professionals across levels of seniority. As China heads deeper into the robot revolution, the demand for greater efficiency, power and accuracy will grow. Organisations will have to constantly adapt to the cutting edge progressions and enable employees with the innovative tools and training for success" observes Peter Smith. The Chinese professionals surveyed were from varied industries such as engineering and manufacturing (18%), sales and marketing (13%) as well as finance and accounting (9%). Respondents were predominantly from Shanghai (53%), Beijing (15%) and Shenzhen (14%). – ENDS – Notes to Editors About Michael Page China: Michael Page China our first office in Shanghai in 2003 and soon expanded to Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. To date, we have 6 offices with over 400 staff in China. The team in mainland China covers 15 disciplines, namely Accounting & Finance, Banking & Financial Services, Digital, Education, Engineering & Manufacturing, Human Resources, Legal, Life Sciences, Marketing, Procurement & Supply Chain, Property & Construction, Retail & Sourcing, Sales, Secretarial & Office Support and Technology. Over the past 15 years, we have maintained our position as the most trusted recruitment firm in China through building up a predominantly local management team and our dedication to quality, specialism and expertise.
