Tech CEOs Focus on AI at Davos Amid Job Fears

Tech CEOs from major companies gathered in Davos, Switzerland, last week for the World Economic Forum's annual meeting. They spent much of their time talking about artificial intelligence, its effects on jobs, business gains, and the need for global rules. The event drew executives, policymakers, and experts who shared views on AI's fast growth and what it means for workers and economies.

Background

The World Economic Forum in Davos brings together business leaders, government officials, and others each year to discuss big global issues. This year's meeting, held in January 2026, took place against a backdrop of quick advances in AI technology. Companies like Nvidia, Google DeepMind, Anthropic, and others have released powerful AI tools that can handle tasks once done only by humans. These tools are now used in offices, factories, and homes around the world.

Attendees arrived from Silicon Valley, Europe, and Asia. They met in panel discussions, private dinners, and crowded lounges set up by tech firms. The talks built on years of AI hype, but this time leaders focused more on real-world changes. Past Davos events had heavy emphasis on investing in AI. Now, the conversation shifted to results, risks, and how to manage the shift.

One common thread was worry over jobs. Many CEOs said AI could replace workers in roles like data entry, customer service, and even management. Others pointed to new opportunities in AI-related fields. The split in views showed the uncertainty around AI's path.

Key Details

AI topped nearly every discussion. Executives from top firms shared predictions and concerns.

Job Risks and Social Change

Dan Schulman, CEO of Verizon, spoke at a breakfast event about the big changes ahead. He said AI stands on the edge of helping workers or taking their jobs. Schulman predicted artificial general intelligence—AI that matches human thinking across tasks—could arrive in two to three years. He also foresaw humanoid robots in factories and homes within seven to eight years.

"People hate change. There are people who win the lottery and then get divorced or lose friends. And we have more change happening now than any of us have seen in our lifetimes." – Dan Schulman, CEO of Verizon

Other leaders echoed these fears. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, warned that AI could push unemployment to 20%. Executives from Google were more upbeat, saying new jobs would balance out losses. James Landay from Stanford's AI group noted talks centered on real risks like deepfakes, false information, spread of bias, and job displacement. He called these the four Ds.

CEOs split on the scale of job losses. Some saw a pyramid shift in company structures, with AI handling lower-level work and pushing everyone up. Others predicted widespread disruption without quick action.

Business Gains and ROI

Not all talk was gloomy. Leaders highlighted concrete benefits. At the AI House, Rasmus Rothe from Merantix called 2026 the year of AI returns on investment. Companies like Cisco and IBM showed off successes in using AI to cut costs and boost output.

Amodei praised his firm's focus on business clients. He said enterprise AI creates steady value compared to consumer products. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told Larry Fink, BlackRock's leader, that AI acts like core infrastructure. He described it as five layers: energy, chips, cloud, models, and apps. All must grow together in what he called the biggest infrastructure build in history.

Huang urged companies to build their own AI using local languages and cultures.

"Build your own AI, take advantage of your fundamental natural resource, which is your language and culture." – Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia

Global Tensions and Slowdown Calls

Geopolitics added tension. Donald Trump's presence loomed large, with worries over tariffs and tech exports. Some feared Europe might limit U.S. AI tools in response. China sparked debate too. Google's Demis Hassabis said Chinese firms lag by six months. But Mistral's Arthur Mensch called that wrong, noting open-source Chinese models are widespread and cheap.

Several CEOs called for slowing AI's pace. Hassabis of Google DeepMind said a slightly slower rollout would help society adjust. Amodei agreed it would be better for the world but noted no single firm can pause alone. They pushed for international agreements. Even JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon suggested curbing speed to avoid unrest.

Trust in AI emerged as a key issue. Landay said systems need better feedback loops so users can fix errors and build confidence.

What This Means

The Davos talks signal AI's shift from promise to reality. Companies now chase returns while facing pressure to address job threats. Leaders agree on the need for policy help, but differ on how fast change will hit.

For workers, this points to retraining needs. Businesses may reshape teams, with AI taking routine tasks. Governments face calls for coordinated rules on safety, exports, and unemployment support.

Tech firms eye enterprise deals for stable growth. Infrastructure demands will drive investments in power and chips. Global rivalries, especially with China, could slow sharing of AI advances.

The push for slowdowns highlights risks of unchecked speed. Without broad pacts, competition may override caution. CEOs' candor shows growing awareness that AI's benefits depend on managing its downsides.

Optimism persists on productivity gains. Huang's infrastructure view suggests AI could remake economies like electricity did. But job shifts demand action to avoid divides.

Enterprise focus means big firms get AI tools first, widening gaps with smaller players. Trust issues could slow adoption if users fear errors or bias.

Overall, Davos painted AI as a force demanding balance between speed and stability. Leaders left with shared worries but no firm plans, setting the stage for ongoing debates.