Mustafa Suleyman, Chief of artificial intelligence at Microsoft, has cautioned that many white-collar positions reliant on computers could be automated in the next 12 to 18 months. Microsoft is developing a “professional-grade AGI” to automate tasks typically handled by lawyers, accountants, project managers, and marketers. Suleyman revealed in an interview with the Financial Times that Microsoft is striving to create AI systems capable of mimicking human professionals, leading to significant changes in knowledge-based professions.
Suleyman stated that within the next 12 to 18 months, AI could fully automate tasks in white-collar roles like lawyers, accountants, project managers, and marketers. Microsoft aims to enhance its presence in the enterprise market by automating routine tasks such as document drafting, data analysis, and project coordination. The company plans to boost AI model production to reduce dependence on OpenAI, as per a revised agreement between the two entities.
Microsoft’s strategy involves automating tasks like document drafting, data analysis, and project coordination to capture a larger share of the enterprise market. Suleyman mentioned that creating new AI models would become as simple as producing a podcast or writing a blog. This approach allows institutions and individuals to develop AI solutions tailored to their specific requirements.
US tech giant Oracle is set to cut 20,000 to 30,000 jobs to expand its AI data-center capacity, while Amazon recently announced the layoff of 16,000 employees as part of its AI restructuring plan. A report by PwC India highlighted that artificial intelligence could contribute around $550 billion to India’s economy by 2035, focusing on sectors like agriculture, education, energy, healthcare, and manufacturing. The India AI Mission, initiated in 2024 with a $1.2 billion funding, aims to democratize access to computing resources, datasets, and talent development.
