JCU conference explores AI’s future in Far North Queensland jobs

Experts and AI innovators head to JCU to discuss jobs in Far North Queensland and what to expect when navigating an AI future. Find out more here.

JCU presents the third international BEMAS conference: 'Reskilling Horizons: AI, The Future of Work, and the Quest for a Resilient, Sustainable Tomorrow'. Picture: JCU supplied.

Researchers have labelled Cairns a cosmopolitan city at the forefront of innovation and resilience, making it the perfect location to host the third annual International Conference on Business, Economics, Management, and Sustainability this week.

The event officially kicks off on Wednesday morning at the James Cook University Ideas Lab on the Nguma-bada campus in Smithfield, for both in-person and online attendees.

Industry innovators and key academics will explore a variety of topics including impacts AI and automation may have on the future workforce for Far North residents.

JCU Professor Hurriyet Babacan said in order to continuing to thrive as a community it’s critical to discuss ideas, challenges and the new ways of “doing and achieving”.

“There are a couple of challenges for us when we’re talking about automation as we are not digitally well connected in our region,” she said.

Researches said what can the government do to help support businesses understand the importance of automation and within technology uptake. Picture: Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV | AFP.

Professor Babacan said with more than 80 per cent of the Far North economy comprised of small “mum and dad” businesses, these microbusinesses may face significant risks and struggle to adapt to AI advancements.

“Smaller industries are not adopting very well,” she said.

“We know that from my own research that a lot of the micro businesses, one or two mum and dad businesses, haven’t thought about what does automation do how does it make me productive, what does it mean for my workforce?”

Professor Hurriyet Babacan is a Professorial Fellow at The Cairns Institute, JCU, and Chair of Regional Development Australia, Tropical North. Picture: Supplied

Other significant challenges identified were also digital interruptions and black spots along with a different “pace of change” depending on the type of industry.

“Cairns is a cosmopolitan city at the forefront of innovation and resilience,” Professor Babacan said.

However, she also outlined about 40 per cent of jobs could become automated by 2030 and said it was therefore important to keep on top of technology changes and remain adaptable.

“In the long term, as the pace of technology changes, if we don’t adapt we are going to be uncompetitive, also a lot of jobs are going to get automated,” she said.

Industries and jobs which could be impacted ranged from the tourism industry to hospitality as well as agriculture.

“To be resilient, we really need to start looking at what are these technologies, how are they impacting us and where are we lagging,” Professor Babacan said.

Head of JCU Centre for International Trade and Business in Asia, Associate Professor Taha Chaiechi said the conference will also explore how advancements in AI could impacted jobs in northern Queensland. Picture: Supplied.

Head of JCU Centre for International Trade and Business in Asia, Associate Professor Taha Chaiechi, said attendees could expect talks from experts on how advancements in AI may impact jobs in northern Queensland

“The conference will focus on the implications of technological advances, like AI and automation, and how to prepare and re-skill northern Queensland’s workforce to remain competitive in a changing economy,” she said.

Discussions will also be held on how AI and robots will impact jobs and experts will cover strategies for companies to adopt more environmentally friendly practices.

“We will also aim to promote sustainable development practices that ensure long-term resilience for regional economies, helping local industries thrive while mitigating environmental impact,” Professor Chaiechi said.

The conference will also explore the importance of preparing and reskilling the region’s workforce to maintain competitiveness in an “evolving economic landscape”, along with examining new ideas which could position northern Queensland as a leading player in the Asia-Pacific region.

Originally published as JCU conference explores AI’s future in Far North Queensland jobs