As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the workplace, new research shows that human capabilities such as creativity, analytical thinking and systems thinking remain critical and are expected to remain important in the future world of work.
In his doctoral dissertation in Information Systems at Åbo Akademi University, Nurlan Musazade examines how artificial intelligence is changing the skills required in occupations related to data analytics and AI.
The dissertation is based on analyses of job advertisements spanning several years, as well as experiments investigating how people use AI in practice. The findings provide new insights into how skill requirements are evolving as AI plays an increasingly prominent role in the workplace.
One of the dissertation’s central findings is that generative AI currently functions primarily as a support tool rather than a replacement for human workers. Even when AI is used, human oversight, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills remain essential.
Another key finding is that AI alone does not guarantee better outcomes. In an exploratory experiment, participants who used AI as a collaborative tool and combined its input with their own judgement performed better than those who relied more heavily on AI-generated responses.
“The future of work is not about humans or AI. It is about how effectively people can collaborate with AI. Those who can combine the capabilities of technology with their own judgement will have a clear advantage,” says Nurlan Musazade.
The dissertation also shows that skill requirements in data- and AI-related fields have changed rapidly. The focus has shifted from developing AI systems to applying them in practice. Today, employers are increasingly seeking professionals who can use AI tools effectively, integrate them with other systems and adapt them to organisational needs. At the same time, more traditional technical skills, such as programming in Python, remain highly valued.
The dissertation contributes new knowledge about how AI is reshaping the labour market and which skills are likely to become increasingly important in the future. The findings may help both educational institutions and employers respond to changing skill requirements in a period of rapid technological change.
Nurlan Musazade defended his doctoral dissertation in Information Systems at Åbo Akademi University on 25 September 2026. The dissertation is entitled AI-Driven Transformation of Skill Requirements: A Human-Task-Technology Perspective.
For further information, please contact:
Nurlan Musazade, Åbo Akademi University
+358 41 328 5717
nurlan.musazade@abo.fi