In an era defined by unprecedented technological advancements, the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Smart Systems presents both challenges and opportunities. Rapid advancements in automation, machine learning, and AI-driven technologies are reshaping job roles and creating new avenues for employment. The urgency lies in equipping educators, policymakers, and industry professionals with insights to navigate this transformative period effectively.

The first of two volumes, Education, Future Jobs and Smart Systems in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, Part A is a timely collected edition, emerging precisely when the ramifications of AI on the job market are becoming palpable. Each section of the work explores a unique aspect, covering the foundational role of AI as a catalyst for developing new skills and competencies. It provides insights for higher education institutions, discusses AI as a powerful tool for sharing knowledge, considers policy implications, and examines the emergence of innovative job markets.

The chapters serve as a comprehensive guide for higher education stakeholders, offering actionable insights and strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of AI-influenced job markets. Authors work to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application, providing a roadmap for institutions to adapt curricula, teaching methodologies, and policies to meet the demands of the AI-driven future.

Miltiadis Demetrios Lytras is a Research Professor at Deree College – The American College of Greece and a Distinguished Scientist at the King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Andreea Claudia Șerban is a Professor at the Department of Economics and Economic Policies within the Faculty of Theoretical and Applied Economics at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania.