2023/07/04
Keio University
Professor Toshihiro Okubo of the Faculty of Economics at Keio University conducted a survey of Japanese companies with the aim of clarifying the actual state of digital technology use, such as the utilization of AI (artificial intelligence), robots, telework, and data by Japanese companies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the preliminary results, when companies using artificial intelligence were asked about their reasons for use, many cited automation, labor-saving, and improved business efficiency and productivity. Furthermore, regarding the impact on workers and jobs, while the most common response was "no change," a decrease in the number of workers performing routine tasks, an increase in the overall work efficiency of workers, and an increase in the company's knowledge stock were also relatively common. It was found that the impact of artificial intelligence on corporate activities varies greatly depending on the nature of the work.
Key Points of This Research
23% of companies used artificial intelligence, and 40% used robots.
Regarding the impact of using artificial intelligence, the most common response for all items was "no change." On the other hand, items where changes were relatively noticeable included decreases in "the number of workers performing routine tasks," "the total workload for all workers," and "the total working hours for all workers," as well as increases in "the overall work efficiency of workers" and the company's knowledge stock.
77% of companies used telework. When looking at the start time of telework adoption, it was found that 50% began using telework in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic (February–May 2020, including the period of the first state of emergency declaration).
Among companies that have implemented telework, more than half were companies where the percentage of employees using telework was between 0% and 19%. This indicates that even if a company has implemented telework, the number of employees actually using it is limited.
Regarding the types of employment for which telework is permitted, 99% of companies implementing telework allow regular employees to use it, while 67% allow non-regular employees to do so.
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