"The big AI companies tell us that AI will soon remake every aspect of business in every industry. Many of us are left wondering when that will actually happen in the real world, when the so-called "AI takeoff" will arrive. But because there are so many variables, so many different kinds of organizations, jobs, and workers, there's no satisfying answer. In the absence of hard evidence, we rely on anecdotes: success stories from founders, influencers, and early adopters posting on X or TikTok."
"Economists and investors are just as eager to answer the "when" question. They want to know how quickly AI's effects will materialize, and how much cost savings and productivity growth it will generate. Policymakers are focused on the risks: How many jobs will be lost, and which ones? What will the downstream effects be on the social safety net? Business schools and consulting firms have turned to research to find those answers the question."
AI adoption varies widely by industry, application, and role, creating clear productivity gains in areas like software development and retail customer service while leaving many firms without measurable profit improvements. Social media anecdotes shape perceptions of timing and scale, complicating assessments of when widespread impact will occur. Economists and investors seek estimates of cost savings and productivity growth; policymakers focus on potential job losses and effects on the social safety net. Empirical research offers mixed results: a 2025 MIT study found little P&L impact after substantial generative-AI spending, while a Wharton study found most enterprise leaders reporting positive returns and planning increased investment.
Read at Fast Company
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