Raspberry Pi boss warns AI may deter tech jobs, harm economy

The founder of the British technology company Raspberry Pi has expressed concern that overvaluing artificial intelligence (AI) might deter individuals from pursuing careers in technology, thereby impacting the economy.

Eben Upton mentioned on the BBC's Big Boss Interview podcast that this tendency could "bias individuals' decisions in a manner that exacerbates the skill shortage rather than alleviates it".

He pointed out that some individuals tend to "significantly overestimate what these [AI] tools are capable of," and cautioned against claims that AI would result in the elimination of numerous tech jobs in the coming years.

The emergence of technologies like ChatGPT and Claude has sparked significant concerns about potential mass job displacement, especially for tech professionals and recent graduates. Over the previous year, giants like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft have each attributed extensive layoffs to AI.

However, some industry experts believe that these technologies are sometimes used as pretexts for workforce reductions following a surge in hiring by major corporations post-pandemic.

Upton emphasised that overvaluing chatbots' potential to replace human jobs might "reverse much of the positive work achieved, not only by Raspberry Pi but by many other groups" aiming to attract people into tech professions.

He added: "It's possible to get caught up in this. This is the risk of damage right in this moment of incredible enthusiasm for what are genuinely incredible tools."

"You read in the paper: 'What guidance should you give your child about what GCSEs to choose in the context of an AI future?' We have no data to inform a rational decision on that.

"The answer is: wait five years, wait 10 years, and then maybe we might know something."

When questioned about the potential impact on economic growth, he asserted: "Undoubtedly. There's a need for a consistent supply of engineers."

Raspberry Pi's computers are well-known for being the top-selling devices manufactured by a UK company, popular among both professional and hobbyist programmers.

Upton established the business in 2012 due to concerns that young people were losing computer programming skills, as smartphones and gaming systems were replacing user-programmable devices.

In 2024, Raspberry Pi debuted on the London Stock Exchange, emerging as a standout success for the UK market amidst a wave of companies choosing to list in the US instead, such as the chip manufacturer Arm from Cambridge.

While discussing the UK's "substantial" industrial capabilities, Upton acknowledged that soaring energy costs pose a "significant hurdle" for businesses.

For several years, the UK has faced some of the highest energy prices among G7 countries, adversely affecting industry.

"About the only reason I wouldn't do engineering build objects in the UK is the high cost of energy, and we need to do something about that," Upton said. "We're extremely lucky we're not running a fertiliser factory or an oil refinery."

"Domestic energy costs influence labour expenses. Employers must compensate workers adequately to ensure they can manage living costs."