New Study: Foundational Skills Crucial in AI Era, Israel Ranks Low

A new study by the Taub Center highlights the increasing importance of foundational skills like reading literacy, mathematical reasoning, and adaptive problem-solving in the age of artificial intelligence. Despite AI's ability to perform many tasks, researchers emphasize that individuals need these core competencies to verify AI outputs, advance professionally, and avoid stagnation.

The study analyzed data from the OECD's PIAAC survey, conducted in Israel between 2022 and 2023. It found that foundational skills retain their value, particularly in professions highly exposed to AI. Professor Gil Epstein, a lead researcher at the Taub Center, stated, "You can let AI write for you, do the math for you, and do everything, but if you want to check what it did and how it did it, to criticize it and produce a better product, you must know the basics yourself."

Researchers define foundational skills broadly, encompassing deep reading comprehension, the ability to extract quantitative information and identify illogical data, and the capacity to handle dynamic, unstructured problems. The study warns that over-reliance on AI without mastering these basics will hinder personal and professional growth.

The research also points to a concerning trend in Israel, which ranked 25th to 27th out of 31 OECD countries in these fundamental skills. Professor Avi Weiss, President of the Taub Center, urged parents and educators to prioritize these skills, noting that the ability to work effectively with AI will require even more advanced capabilities from the next generation.

The study suggests that while AI may increase overall economic productivity, the benefits might not translate directly to individual workers' salaries. However, those with strong foundational skills are expected to continue earning more than their less-skilled counterparts, with the wage gap potentially widening in AI-exposed professions.