IMF and OECD warn of unequal gains from AI
The IMF estimates effective AI adoption could lift annual global growth by up to 0.5%, but access to infrastructure and skills remains a concern.
Officials from the IMF and OECD have warned that gains from artificial intelligence may bypass poorer economies, smaller businesses and younger workers without better electricity access, digital infrastructure and skills.
Speaking at the Reuters Global Markets Forum, Era Dabla-Norris, deputy director of the International Monetary Fund's Fiscal Affairs Department, said developing economies face the challenge of adopting AI and spreading its use. The IMF puts the potential boost to annual global growth at up to 0.5% over the medium term, though she said evidence of productivity gains so far was much more limited.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development projects an annual productivity growth boost of 0.4% to 1.2% among its members. Its chief economist, Stefano Scarpetta, said businesses were using AI less than consumers, with adoption still limited in core operations.
About 40% of jobs globally could face exposure to AI, according to the IMF. Dabla-Norris said younger workers and those in entry-level roles may be especially vulnerable if the technology takes over tasks that traditionally help employees build experience.
