Transforming Disempowerment to Empowerment: A Study on the Impact of Artificial Intelligence Applications on the Career Development of Industrial Workforce

The widespread application of artificial intelligence (AI) has had a profound impact on the labor market. Effectively addressing the challenges posed by AI technology has become a critical issue in the development of the industrial workforce in the new era. Based on survey data of industrial workers in Guangdong Province, this study examines the impact of AI applications on the career development of industrial workers and explores the underlying mechanisms. The findings indicate that the application of AI technology has a significant negative effect on the career development of industrial workers. Mechanism analysis reveals that the application of AI technology has changed enterprises' demand for positions and skills, thereby influencing workers' career development. Moreover, trade union support and corporate technological empowerment positively moderate the relationship between AI technology application and the career development of industrial workers. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the impact of AI applications is more significant on industrial workers with lower educational levels and those in producer services industries. Against the backdrop of digital and intelligent transformation, it is essential to establish and improve a multi-stakeholder collaborative system involving the government, enterprises, trade unions, and workers to enhance the digital literacy and skills of industrial workers, thereby facilitating the transformation and upgrading of the industrial workforce.