Overview
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the future of work, sparking both excitement and concern. While headlines often focus on job losses, Professor Feng Li argues that the real opportunity lies in redesigning work to amplify human potential.
As Chair of Information Management at Bayes Business School and a member of the Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority’s AI Consortium, Professor Li is helping shape the responsible adoption of AI in UK financial services. His research supports the UK Industrial Strategy’s goal of harnessing innovation to maintain global leadership in financial and professional services.
The Challenge the Research is Responding To
The rise of AI has triggered widespread debate about automation and job displacement.
In 2016, AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton suggested radiologists could be replaced by AI-driven scanners. But Professor Li challenges this narrative, arguing that such views oversimplify the complex nature of work.
Rather than asking how many jobs AI will eliminate, Professor Li encourages organisations to ask how work itself should evolve. The challenge is not just technological—it’s institutional, requiring thoughtful redesign of roles, processes, and relationships.
Partnerships involved
Professor Li’s research is conducted in collaboration with:
• The Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority (AI Consortium)
• Global tech firms including Slack, VMware, and Amazon Web Services
• International policymakers, including recent engagement with the Prime Minister of Vietnam and senior business leaders.
His work bridges academia, industry, and government, fostering dialogue on responsible AI adoption.
Our Research
Professor Li’s research focuses on how AI transforms organisations, with particular attention to governance, productivity, and risk. He explores how emerging technologies can be integrated into business and society in ways that enhance human capabilities rather than replace them.
His work is widely published in leading journals such as Journal of Management, Technovation, Harvard Business Review, and British Journal of Management. He also contributes to public discourse through media outlets including BBC News, The Telegraph, and the Financial Times.
Our impact
Professor Li’s insights are helping reshape how businesses and governments approach AI. By reframing the conversation around job redesign rather than job loss, his work supports more inclusive and sustainable innovation.
He has influenced policy discussions at the national and international level, including contributions to the UK’s financial services strategy and global dialogues on digital transformation.
His research encourages organisations to use AI to automate routine tasks, freeing professionals to focus on strategic thinking, creativity, and human connection.
This approach not only improves productivity but also ensures that technological progress aligns with societal values.
