“Machine replacement” or “job creation”: How does artificial intelligence impact employment patterns in China's manufacturing industry?

Artificial intelligence (AI), as an important engine for promoting high-quality economic development, should not be overlooked in terms of its impact on the employment of the labor force while promoting the digital and intelligent transformation of industries. In the face of the complex international environment and non-systemic shocks, it is of great significance to explore whether it is “machine replacement” or “job creation” in the process of the integration of AI and industry, as well as the impact of technological progress on the employment pattern of the labor force, in order to promote the economic development, respond to and solve the employment problem. It is of great significance to promote economic development and cope with and solve the employment problem. Based on the task model, this paper analyses the mechanism of the impact of AI on the employment pattern of manufacturing industry. Meanwhile, based on the provincial panel data of China's manufacturing industry from 2011 to 2020, it empirically examines the impact of AI on the total employment, employment structure and employment quality of the labor force, and analyses the multiple responses of AI on the employment