At a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping the technology industry, a senior global tech leader has pushed back against fears of mass job losses. Brad Smith, President of Microsoft Corporation, said AI should support software engineers and IT professionals by enhancing their skills, not replacing them.
Speaking in an interview with a news agency, Smith addressed concerns around job cuts, the future of IT services, and AI’s growing role in cognitive work. He said Microsoft’s core aim is to build technology that helps people become smarter and more capable.
According to Smith, AI can handle repetitive coding tasks, allowing developers to focus on higher-value work such as product design, system architecture, testing, and security. This shift, he said, effectively “uplevels” the software engineering profession rather than shrinking it.
He argued that instead of reducing employment, AI is likely to make tech roles more engaging and meaningful. This, in turn, could increase demand for skilled professionals and even push wages higher.
Smith said he is sometimes frustrated by technology leaders who talk about building “machines that are smarter than people.” He stressed that Microsoft’s focus is different and remains centred on creating tools that enhance human abilities.
“We should always start by asking ourselves, what are we trying to accomplish?” Smith said. He added that while AI should boost productivity and economic growth, it must also be directed toward creating better-quality jobs. Achieving this, he noted, requires making it a clear and deliberate goal.
He explained that technology reaches its true potential when it improves human interaction. AI, he said, can help people listen, read, and speak better. Referring to recent discussions with Indian government officials in Delhi, Smith highlighted how AI can bridge communication gaps, such as translating 22 Indian languages to improve understanding.
Applying the same idea to IT services, Smith said AI can significantly improve how software is built. As routine coding becomes automated, engineers gain more time for design, planning, oversight, and ensuring security standards are met.
“We’re not talking about using AI to replace software engineers,” Smith said. “We’re talking about using AI to change the art of software engineering and raise the level of people in this profession.”
He added that aligning skills with future job needs will be crucial and may lead to higher salaries. Governments, he said, also have a role in reinforcing the goal of using AI to boost productivity, drive economic growth, and create better jobs.
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