TRANSFORMATION OF REGIONAL LABOR MARKETS UNDER THE IMPACT OF AUTOMATION AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGIES

This article examines the impact of automation and artificial intelligence technologies on the transformation of regional labor markets. It is argued that modern technological changes are not limited to the displacement of workers by machines and algorithms, but rather form a more complex system of changes: a redistribution of demand between professions, the growing importance of digital and analytical competencies, a changing employment structure, increased interregional differentiation, and the need for continuous skills development. Particular attention is paid to the regional aspect of the problem, as Russian regions differ in their level of digitalization, sectoral structure of the economy, human resources potential, and the ability of enterprises to implement intelligent technologies. It is shown that automation has a stronger impact on regions with a high share of industry, transportation, trade, financial, and administrative functions, where a significant portion of operations can be algorithmized. At the same time, the development of artificial intelligence creates demand for new labor functions related to data analysis, digital systems management, maintenance of automated processes, and the implementation of platform solutions. The study concludes that regional employment policies need to adapt to the conditions of technological transformation, including the development of retraining, digital competencies, forecasting labor needs, and supporting workers in occupations at high risk of automation.