SHENZHEN – DeepSeek, a tech startup based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, has made headlines with the recent launch of its high-efficiency large reasoning model, DeepSeek-R1. This innovation marks the beginning of artificial intelligence (AI) tools being integrated with government services across several Chinese cities. Local governments are embracing DeepSeek's AI technology to improve administration and governance, yet public reaction has been decidedly mixed.
Wei Jianzhang, vice-president of the Belt and Road Initiative’s International Cooperation and Development Research Institute based in Shenzhen, acknowledges the advantages AI brings, such as enhanced public services and improved efficiency. Nonetheless, he warned, "It raises questions about data security and potential loss of jobs." He stressed the importance of balancing innovation with responsible AI use to serve the citizens effectively.
Chinese cities like Guangzhou, Hohhot, Ganzhou, and Wuxi have also initiated similar AI programs to boost administrative efficiency. Last week, Shenzhen’s Futian district launched 70 AI “employees” powered by DeepSeek-R1 to handle various services across departments. These tasks include document processing, investment project reviews, and assigning responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the Shenzhen municipal services and data management bureau unveiled its AI assistant, “Shen Xiao i,” which is now accessible via the city’s government services app. Jin Yingzi, a spokeswoman for Futian district, highlighted the system's transformative impact, stating, "The AI system has drastically improved efficiency." For example, the time required to generate government circulars has plummeted from five days to mere minutes, with formatting accuracy exceeding 95 percent. She noted significant reductions: auditing time shrank by 90 percent, and error rates now fall below 5 percent.
The launch of AI “employees” has sparked diverse reactions on social media, with some users touting the initiative as revolutionary for government efficiency. One user enthused on Sina Weibo, “It’s a really good way to improve government efficiency,” yet others expressed concerns over increased competition for civil service positions and the pressure on current employees to outperform their AI counterparts.
Gao Zeng, deputy head of Futian district’s digital services bureau, reassured citizens, saying, "These AI 'employees' are merely assisting civil servants. Their role is to provide support in daily tasks and aid public administration and delivery of services." He emphasized the necessity of human supervision, as every AI tool is managed by designated human supervisors accountable for the actions of their AI assistants.
Wei Jianzhang reiterated the need for ethical frameworks within local governments, advocating for transparency and human-centered designs to assure AI assistants truly augment efficiency rather than undermine human discretion. His belief echoes concerns shared by many who fear the increasing reliance on AI could jeopardize job security and accountability.
The introduction of AI systems raises pivotal questions about the future of work. The Harvard Business School’s recent research on the impact of AI suggests it may not only increase productivity but also enable employees at all levels to focus on the aspects of their jobs they find most energizing.
The study titled “Generative AI and the Nature of Work” investigates how AI interventions modify task allocation among knowledge-based workers, particularly coders. The researchers, including HBS Assistant Professor Frank Nagle and postdoctoral fellows, found AI tools like GitHub Copilot allowed software developers to offload administrative burdens and concentrate on core coding tasks. This shift fosters greater autonomy, reduces the need for collaboration, and encourages innovation as developers explore new programming directions.
Key insights from the research propose AI can disproportionately benefit lower-skilled workers by narrowing productivity gaps with higher-skilled peers. Nagle and his co-authors assert, if managed properly, AI can revolutionize workplaces by encouraging innovation over routine administrative tasks, thereby reshaping how we define job functions.
Beyond improvement, AI-powered tools can reshape roles to maximize employee satisfaction and engagement through “job crafting” approaches. This means actively redefining work roles to align with energizing tasks versus draining ones—essentially, what excites employees compared to what exhausts them.
For employees, using AI to automate draining tasks like data entry can free time to focus on strategic responsibilities, enhancing overall job satisfaction. Properly managing energy drivers and drains paves the way for more productive workplaces, where workers feel fulfilled and appreciated.
Advancing workplace realities presents both opportunities and challenges. It is clear AI's integration must be navigated with caution, considering job sustainability and ethical dilemmas alongside its transformative potential. Historical apprehensions about technology replacing jobs remain relevant as society grapples with the changing dynamics between human labor and AI capabilities.
To sum up, there is no denying the potential of AI to reshape city governance and employment landscapes. The discussion around DeepSeek's AI initiatives reflects broader sentiments about innovation, efficiency, and ethical responsibility. It remains to be seen how local governments will balance technology advancements with human-centered approaches to public service.