White-collar jobs to be automated in 12-18 months: Microsoft AI Chief

White-collar jobs to be automated in 12-18 months: Microsoft AI Chief

White-collar jobs to be automated in 12-18 months: Microsoft AI Chief

https://www.edexlive.com/amp/story/news/white-collar-jobs-to-be-automated-in-12-18-months-microsoft-ai-chief

Publish Date: 2026-02-13 02:30:00

Source Domain: www.edexlive.com

Here is a summarized list of key points from the article, derived from the points discussed in the text:

  • AI Automation in White-Collar Jobs: Microsoft AI Chief Mustafa Suleyman warns that within the next 12 to 18 months, most white-collar roles reliant on computers, such as lawyers, accountants, project managers, and marketers, could be fully automated by AI systems.

  • Development of Professional-Grade AGI: Microsoft is striving to develop advanced AI general intelligence (AGI) systems, which can perform nearly all tasks that human professionals can do, aiming to automate routine and repeatable tasks.

  • Shift in the AI Landscape: The current progress in AI technology promises to bring about significant structural changes across various knowledge-based professions, going beyond simple productivity gains.

  • Enterprise Market Strategy: Microsoft aims to gain a larger share of the enterprise market by focusing on automating tasks like document drafting, data analysis, and project coordination, which usually require skilled employees.

  • AI Model Production Plans: Microsoft plans to increase AI model production in-house to reduce dependency on external sources like the partnership with OpenAI. Suleyman mentions that creating new AI models could become as straightforward as making a podcast or writing a blog.

  • AI Industry Realignment: Oracle plans to cut 20,000 to 30,000 jobs to enhance AI-centered data center capacity, and Amazon recently announced the layoff of 16,000 employees in its AI restructuring efforts.

  • Impact on India’s Economy: A recent PwC report projects that artificial intelligence could contribute nearly $550 billion to India’s economy by 2035 across critical sectors like agriculture, education, energy, healthcare, and manufacturing.

  • India AI Mission: Launched in 2024 with $1.2 billion in funding, the India AI Mission aims to democratize access to computing resources, datasets, and talent development in the field of AI.