Guest blog (VE3): AI - not a replacement, but the complement that humanity needs
"It is not nuclear weapons that I fear, but artificial intelligence (AI)."
Why start with such a bold statement? Because while nuclear weapons can potentially destroy a city or even a country, they can still be challenged and controlled. I’m not so sure we can say the same for AI. So, is AI the ultimate decimator of humans? According to current sentiments, and a report projecting that 8 million jobs could be at risk by 2030, it seems so. However, in this piece, we will examine AI from a different perspective. Innovation is a necessary peril: you either adapt or fade away.
Innovation: adapt or fade away
Innovation is a necessary peril: you either adapt or fade away.
I’m sure you’ve used a BlackBerry or Nokia phone at some point. These brands were once pioneers and market leaders in the mobile phone industry. Yet today, as we speak, they have almost disappeared from the market. Why? Because they resisted change. Only those who adapt to shifting trends survive, and Nokia and BlackBerry failed to do so.
The inevitable rise of automation
AI will teach us this lesson the hard way. No one wants to learn difficult lessons, but AI is going to make that happen, because automation is inevitable. The key to survival and relevance is embracing upgrades and change.
How?
New opportunities in the AI ecosystem
By developing expertise in the AI ecosystem: machine learning engineers, deep learning engineers, AI trainers, natural language processing specialists, and computer vision experts will be in demand. In these roles, human intelligence (HI) will be critical, augmenting AI systems and training models. As a result, it's highly unlikely that AI will completely replace humans in these fields.
Human oversight: a necessity for quality
While more than 50% of tasks are on the verge of automation, the need for human oversight in operational management will remain essential to ensure quality and precision. This means that human intervention will be unavoidable, even as a new era of employment emerges—one where machines are trained by augmented human intelligence.
The irreplaceable human element in complex tasks
Complex tasks will ensure the continued relevance of human workers. There’s a saying: if you have a "club mentality" in your profession, you are irreplaceable. What does this mean?
Why some jobs will resist automation?
In jobs that require adaptability, quick thinking, and situational awareness, AI won’t be able to take over. Humans will still have an active role, especially in tasks that change based on circumstances. Until we reach the age of AI-driven annihilation—a fear shared by some tech leaders like Elon Musk—humans will remain relevant, using our tactical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity to maintain our place in the workforce.
Human intelligence: our greatest asset
As long as we have human intelligence (HI), we remain relevant: Judgment Day can wait. HI encompasses emotional intelligence and rational thinking—qualities no machine can replicate.
The ethical dilemmas AI cannot solve
Even with advancements like Tesla’s driverless cars, we are still driving our own vehicles. Why? Because when faced with a situation like avoiding an animal or a human, we consider complex ethical decisions. Do we save one and not the other? Try to spare both? These nuanced decisions can only be made by humans.
AI as a complement, not a replacement
As long as we can respond dynamically to situations, AI cannot fully replace us. Instead, machines will complement our work, not replace it.
Conclusion: embracing the human-AI partnership
AI is not the looming threat that will decimate humanity, but rather a tool that can complement and enhance our capabilities. The future is not about choosing between humans and AI but finding ways to collaborate and coexist. While automation will change the landscape of many industries, it will also create new opportunities for those who are willing to adapt, learn, and innovate.
Human intelligence remains the cornerstone of this evolution, offering the emotional depth, ethical judgment, and creative problem-solving that machines cannot replicate. Instead of fearing AI as a force of destruction, we should embrace it as a partner in progress, one that helps us overcome challenges, unlock new possibilities, and improve our world—while still holding fast to the unique qualities that make us human.
The key to thriving in the age of AI is clear: adaptability, constant learning, and collaboration between human intelligence and artificial intelligence. AI is not our replacement—it's the complement humanity needs to continue advancing. To read more such articles, visit VE3'S digital insider or contact directly.
techUK - Seizing the AI Opportunity
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Usman Ikhlaq
Usman Ikhlaq
Usman joined techUK in January 2024 as Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence.
He leads techUK’s AI Adoption programme, supporting members of all sizes and sectors in adopting AI at scale. His work involves identifying barriers to adoption, exploring solutions, and helping to unlock AI’s transformative potential, particularly its benefits for people, the economy, society, and the planet. He is also committed to advancing the UK’s AI sector and ensuring the UK remains a global leader in AI by working closely with techUK members, the UK Government, regulators, and devolved and local authorities.
Since joining techUK, Usman has delivered a regular drumbeat of activity to engage members and advance techUK's AI programme. This has included two campaign weeks, the creation of the AI Adoption Hub (now the AI Hub), the AI Leader's Event Series, the Putting AI into Action webinar series and the Industrial AI sprint campaign.
Before joining techUK, Usman worked as a policy, regulatory and government/public affairs professional in the advertising sector. He has also worked in sales, marketing, and FinTech.
Usman holds an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a GDL and LLB from BPP Law School, and a BA from Queen Mary University of London.
When he isn’t working, Usman enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He also has a keen interest in running, reading and travelling.
Sue Daley OBE
Sue Daley OBE
Sue leads techUK's Technology and Innovation work.
This includes work programmes on cloud, data protection, data analytics, AI, digital ethics, Digital Identity and Internet of Things as well as emerging and transformative technologies and innovation policy.
In 2025, Sue was honoured with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Technology Industry in the New Year Honours List.
She has been recognised as one of the most influential people in UK tech by Computer Weekly's UKtech50 Longlist and in 2021 was inducted into the Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK Tech Hall of Fame.
A key influencer in driving forward the data agenda in the UK, Sue was co-chair of the UK government's National Data Strategy Forum until July 2024. As well as being recognised in the UK's Big Data 100 and the Global Top 100 Data Visionaries for 2020 Sue has also been shortlisted for the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards and was a judge for the Loebner Prize in AI. In addition to being a regular industry speaker on issues including AI ethics, data protection and cyber security, Sue was recently a judge for the UK Tech 50 and is a regular judge of the annual UK Cloud Awards.
Prior to joining techUK in January 2015 Sue was responsible for Symantec's Government Relations in the UK and Ireland. She has spoken at events including the UK-China Internet Forum in Beijing, UN IGF and European RSA on issues ranging from data usage and privacy, cloud computing and online child safety. Before joining Symantec, Sue was senior policy advisor at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Sue has an BA degree on History and American Studies from Leeds University and a Masters Degree on International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Birmingham. Sue is a keen sportswoman and in 2016 achieved a lifelong ambition to swim the English Channel.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2055
- Twitter:
- @ChannelSwimSue,@ChannelSwimSue
Tess Buckley
Tess Buckley
A digital ethicist and musician, Tess holds a MA in AI and Philosophy, specialising in ableism in biotechnologies. Their professional journey includes working as an AI Ethics Analyst with a dataset on corporate digital responsibility, followed by supporting the development of a specialised model for sustainability disclosure requests. Currently at techUK as programme manager in digital ethics and AI safety, Tess focuses on demystifying and operationalising ethics through assurance mechanisms and standards. Their primary research interests encompass AI music systems, AI fluency, and technology created by and for differently abled individuals. Their overarching goal is to apply philosophical principles to make emerging technologies both explainable and ethical.
Outside of work Tess enjoys kickboxing, ballet, crochet and jazz music.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- tessbuckley.me
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tesssbuckley/
Laura Foster
Laura Foster
Laura is techUK’s Associate Director for Technology and Innovation.
She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies, including Quantum Computing, High-Performance Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies, across the UK. As part of this, she works alongside techUK members and UK Government to champion long-term and sustainable innovation policy that will ensure the UK is a pioneer in science and technology
Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.
Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- www.linkedin.com/in/lauraalicefoster
Nimmi Patel
Nimmi Patel
Nimmi Patel is the Head of Skills, Talent and Diversity at techUK. She works on all things skills, education, and future of work policy, focusing on upskilling and retraining. Nimmi is also an Advisory Board member of Digital Futures at Work Research Centre (digit). The Centre research aims to increase understanding of how digital technologies are changing work and the implications for employers, workers, job seekers and governments.
Prior to joining the techUK team, she worked for the UK Labour Party and New Zealand Labour Party, and holds an MA in Strategic Communications at King’s College London and BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Manchester. She is currently taking part in the 2024-25 University of Bath Institute for Policy Research Policy Fellowship Programme.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07805744520
- Twitter:
- @nimmiptl
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimmi-patel1/
Audre Verseckaite
Audre Verseckaite
Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy.
Prior to this, Audre completed an MSc in Public Policy at the Korea Development Institute and a Bachelor's in International Relations and History from SOAS, University of London. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, learning about new cultures through travel and food, and going on adventures.
Edward Emerson
Edward Emerson
Edward leads the Digital Economy programme at techUK, which includes our work on online safety, fraud, and regulation for growth initiatives.
He has prior experience working for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and has previously worked for a number of public affairs consultancies specialising in research and strategy, working with leading clients in the technology and financial services sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-emerson-009189183
Heather Cover-Kus
Heather Cover-Kus
Heather is Head of Central Government Programme at techUK, working to represent the supplier community of tech products and services to Central Government.
Prior to joining techUK in April 2022, Heather worked in the Economic Policy and Small States Section at the Commonwealth Secretariat. She led the organisation’s FinTech programme and worked to create an enabling environment for developing countries to take advantage of the socio-economic benefits of FinTech.
Before moving to the UK, Heather worked at the Office of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas and the Central Bank of The Bahamas.
Heather holds a Graduate Diploma in Law from BPP, a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from LSE, and a BA in Economics and Sociology from Macalester College.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-cover-kus-ba636538
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