Microsoft Invests US$4bn in AI Literacy & Training Programme

Microsoft has announced a US$4bn global commitment to AI education and training over the next five years through its new Microsoft Elevate initiative.

Through Elevate, the company will give financial and technological donations to schools, community colleges and non-profits.

The move comes at a sensitive moment for the global job market, with concerns spiralling about the impact AI could have on the future of employment — and society as a whole.

“For a student wondering what to study, a teacher rethinking how to teach, or a business owner managing a workforce – AI is no longer theoretical, it’s personal,” says Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President at Microsoft.

The strategy behind Elevate

Microsoft's donations will form part of the company's ESG strategy, following in the footsteps of Microsoft Philanthropies and the Tech for Social Impact initiatives.

The Elevate Academy will offer AI education ranging from foundational literacy to advanced technical training, targeting the empowerment of 20 million individuals with AI credentials within two years.

To achieve this scale, Microsoft will collaborate with LinkedIn, its professional networking platform, and GitHub, its software development platform, ensuring the widespread delivery of training programs.

Cooperation with governmental bodies at various levels, including an established partnership with North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany, further strengthens the initiative’s potential reach.

The company will introduce an “Hour of AI” project with Code.org, a non-profit championing computer science education.

Additionally, Microsoft has teamed up with the American Federation of Teachers, covering 1.7 million education professionals.

“We believe in advancing AI by putting people first,” Brad says.

A changing workforce

Microsoft has also founded the AI Economy Institute within its AI for Good Lab to assess AI’s effects on employment, education and productivity.

The Institute, operational since January, funds academic research across multiple global universities.

Ongoing projects scrutinise the impact of Gen AI on academic innovation and assess AI skills' market valuation.

Research initiatives tackle issues like policy gaps in African higher education and explore AI’s transformative promise globally.

With a commitment to transparency, the Institute shares findings promptly and supports open collaboration with external researchers and policymakers.

“We don’t have all the answers to the new questions that AI will pose for societies around the world – no one does,” Brad acknowledges.

The insights from the Institute will shape Microsoft Elevate's training framework and inform policy suggestions.

These efforts intend to shape global conversations about AI-driven economic transformation and advocate balanced growth amid tech advancements.

A human-centric approach to AI development

Brad emphasises Microsoft’s strategy in contrast to the industry’s quest for AGI and superintelligence.

“The best time to ask hard questions about AI’s future is now – before it becomes even more powerful and pervasive,” he says.

Referencing past tech adoption, Brad notes the 150 years since Edison’s light bulb invention, during which millions remain without electricity.

He observes social media’s shift from a democratic enabler to a source of disinformation over 15 years.

AI Workforce Training and Development
Microsoft’s initiatives also extend to labour unions, such as the AFL-CIO, America’s largest union federation.

Consequently, Microsoft has launched AI training for union members and apprenticeship instructors, including a National Academy for AI Instruction and summer sessions for building trade workers.

AI for Good Lab's Contributions
The company champions human-centred AI advancement through its AI for Good Lab, focusing on applied AI research to tackle societal issues.

Partnering with Academic and Non-profit Institutions
In collaboration with universities, non-profits and religious organisations, like the Vatican’s Rome Call for AI Ethics initiative, Microsoft furthers responsible AI development.

“Are we building machines to replace people, or to help people thrive? Are we trying to create AI that will outsmart humanity – or elevate it?” Brad asks.

Microsoft’s legacy in personal computing and operating systems establishes the context for its AI adoption strategy.

The initial mission to place a computer on every desk and in each home required both tech innovation and an expansion of related skills.

“Work has always been more than a pay check,” Brad says.

“It’s how people contribute, grow and find meaning in their lives. Machines can process data, but only humans can exercise judgment.

“Machines can mimic language, but only humans can offer empathy. Machines can optimise, but only humans can care.”