As reports trickle in saying that GenAI is diminishing critical thinking, researchers at Multiverse have identified 13 durable skills the UK workforce can adopt to ensure AI adoption has a positive impact.

A human skills deficit can threaten the effective adoption of AI is not properly addressed as studies from MIT and other research institutes show that AI can have a negative effect on critical thinking.

Researchers at upskilling platform Multiverse found that creativity, analytics reasoning and systems thinking are among the 13 human skillsets required for the workforce to successfully adopt AI.

These sit alongside technical skills such as prompt engineering, AI model evaluation and AI process modelling, and hold the keys to effectively bringing together people and technology too drive value.

Through qualitative and observational research with AI-users, Multiverse devised a skills framework that can support workers and organisations looking to improve their AI maturity.

The most essential human skills identified for meaningful AI adoption include cognitive skills, meaning the mental abilities used for learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.

This includes analytical reasoning, creativity, and systems thinking.

When this comes to AI, these will be essential in breaking down complex information for AI, creativity for the use of AI, and identifying patterns in AI performance.

People will also need responsible AI skills to ensure successful adoption, which includes AI ethics, such as spotting bias and recognising how this affects AI outcomes. People and teams will also require cultural sensitivity to identify how AI biases when it comes to geographic and cultural awareness.

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Self management skills will also be important, such as curiosity, self-regulated learning, detail orientation, adaptability, and determination, which are typically skills employers seek out regardless of AI.

Communication skills, such as empathy, tailoring communication, and feedback exchange will also be sought after.

“Leaders are spending millions on AI tools, but their investment focus isn’t going to succeed. They think it’s a technology problem when it’s really a human and technology problem. Without a deliberate focus on capabilities like analytical reasoning and creativity, as well as culture and behaviours, AI projects will never deliver up to their potential,” said Gary Eimerman, Chief Learning Officer at Multiverse. “This framework provides a new model for talent development in the age of AI, which must include human skills as well as technical skills in order to drive tangible business results.”

Imogen Stanley, Senior Learning Scientist at Multiverse, who led the development of the skills taxonomy said: “We need to start looking beyond technical skills and think about the human skills that the workforce must hone to get the best out of AI.

“What we found during our first principles research phase was that skills like ethical oversight, output verification, and creative experimentation are the real differentiators of power AI users. By developing these specific skills, employees can move from being passive users of AI to active drivers of innovation and value.”