Artificial intelligence (AI) could help to address sluggish productivity growth in OECD countries. This report provides evidence for policymakers, business leaders and researchers to help understand the adoption of AI in enterprises and the policies needed to enable this.
It draws on a policy-oriented survey of AI in enterprises across the Group of Seven (G7) countries and Brazil, complemented by interviews with business representatives. The report offers a comprehensive examination of barriers to the use of AI and examines actionable solutions, including in the areas of training and education, qualification frameworks, public-private research partnerships and public data.
Also examined is the work of public institutions that seek to facilitate the diffusion of digital technologies, including AI. Further, this report highlights the need for better policy evaluation, greater international comparability in surveys of AI and studies of generative AI in business.
It is widely reported that a scarcity of skills – particularly specialized talent – hinders AI uptake, even in many large firms. This study shows that policies and programs to develop human capital are among the most valued and used by businesses.
Achieving higher rates of AI adoption could raise labor productivity and have other desirable outcomes, such as lower defect rates in production, reducing the need for material inputs.