Andrew Paul McAfee

Principal research scientist Andrew McAfee said: "If you can't successfully address the fundamental fact of Moore's Law — the rule that the number of transistors on silicon chips doubles every 18 to 24 months — you're just not going to be around for long. The business model that we developed for running a company in the 20th century doesn't work in the digital, hardware, software, or networking industries."

Principal research scientist Andrew McAfee said people typically learn difficult knowledge work by first assisting experienced colleagues with routine responsibilities. If companies automate these tasks too quickly, they risk eliminating the apprenticeship ladder that has traditionally produced skilled professionals and future business leaders.

Principal research scientist Andrew McAfee said: "There’s a significant demographic decline. As people age, they tend to be more inflexible and less willing to try new and outlandish things like AI. If you cut back on hiring entry-level staff, you're likely sacrificing future learning opportunities and the talent of tomorrow. Plus, you're shutting off the most enthusiastic AI users in your organization."

Companies betting against entry-level Gen Z talent by automating their roles may be making a costly long-term mistake. That's the warning from MIT research scientist Andrew McAfee. "How else are people going to learn to do the job except via on-the-job learning and training apprenticeship?" he said.