Raspberry Pi Founder Warns AI Hype Could Worsen Tech Skills Shortage

The founder of British computer maker Raspberry Pi has warned that overestimating the abilities of artificial intelligence could discourage people from pursuing tech jobs and harm the economy.

Eben Upton told the BBC's Big Boss Interview podcast that this could "distort people's choices in ways that make that skill shortage worse and not better."

Some people are "very inclined to overestimate what these [AI] tools can do," he said. He cautioned against claims that AI would destroy vast numbers of computing roles in coming years.

The rise of tools such as ChatGPT and Claude has sparked predictions of huge job losses, especially for tech workers and graduates. Amazon, Meta and Microsoft have blamed tens of thousands of layoffs on AI over the past year.

But some experts suggest the technology serves as a scapegoat for cutting headcount after a post-Covid hiring surge by many big companies.

Overestimating chatbots' ability to replace workers could "undo a lot of the good work that's been done, not just by Raspberry Pi, but by a lot of other organisations" in drawing people to tech careers, Upton said.

"It's possible to get caught up in this," he added. "This is the risk of damage right in this moment of incredible enthusiasm for what are genuinely incredible tools."

He noted headlines asking, "What guidance should you give your child about what GCSEs to choose in the context of an AI future?" Upton said there is no data for a rational decision on that.

"The answer is: wait five years, wait 10 years, and then maybe we might know something."

Asked if the trend could hurt economic growth, he replied, "Absolutely. We need a supply of engineers."

Raspberry Pi devices rank as the most widely sold computers by a UK firm. They appeal to hobbyist programmers.

Upton started the company in 2012 out of concern that young people were losing computing skills as mobile phones and game consoles replaced easily programmable devices.

Raspberry Pi listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2024. It stands out as a UK stock market success while other firms, including Cambridge-based chip maker Arm, opt for US listings.

Upton said the UK boasts "enormous" industrial capacity but conceded that high energy costs pose "a challenge" for companies.

Britain has faced some of the G7's highest energy costs in recent years, hurting businesses.

"About the only reason I wouldn't do engineering build objects in the UK is the high cost of energy, and we need to do something about that," Upton said. "We're extremely lucky we're not running a fertiliser factory or an oil refinery."