170M Jobs Coming Despite AI Disruption, Says WEF

The future of work looks surprisingly bright, even as artificial intelligence reshapes entire industries.

While 92 million jobs worldwide are expected to disappear due to AI, the World Economic Forum projects 170 million new positions will be created, WEBIT Foundation Board Executive Chairman Plamen Russev shared at Bulgaria's career forum on Saturday. That's a net gain of 78 million jobs, turning the AI disruption story into one of opportunity rather than catastrophe.

Russev, speaking at the Bulgaria Across Five Oceans career forum in Sofia, emphasized that the real work ahead isn't about fighting technology. It's about helping people understand where the new opportunities lie and how to create value in an AI-enhanced world.

The transformation is already underway, particularly affecting entry-level positions traditionally filled by young workers starting their careers. Russev noted that even top universities struggle to keep pace, often teaching knowledge that's several years outdated by the time it reaches students.

The Bright Side

Instead of a simple "humans versus machines" scenario, Russev outlined three pathways humanity might take in the next decade. Some people, he calls them "Homo Delegatus," will increasingly trust AI to make decisions for them. Others, "Homo Integratos," will actively use technology to expand what humans can do. A third group, "the guardians," will focus on human capabilities without relying heavily on advanced tech.

The key to a thriving future isn't picking one path over another. It's building bridges between these groups so society can benefit from all three approaches working together.

Russev's optimism reflects a broader reality that often gets lost in AI anxiety. Every major technological shift, from electricity to the internet, has eliminated old jobs while creating new ones. The pattern holds: more jobs emerge than disappear.

For Bulgarians specifically, Russev sees untapped potential to contribute more to global development, especially as new career paths open up in AI-adjacent fields. The career forum brought together local talent, international companies, and thought leaders to showcase real opportunities for building careers in Bulgaria's evolving economy.

This moment of transformation isn't something to fear but something to prepare for, turning disruption into the largest job creation wave in recent history.