Economists Predict AI Gains Will Spread Beyond US and China to G20 Nations

A recent survey of 94 economists suggests that the economic benefits of artificial intelligence will spread across the G20 nations over the next decade, rather than remaining concentrated in the United States and China. This finding challenges the assumption that only the two largest tech powers will reap the primary rewards of this technological shift.

According to the Financial Times, 54% of the economists polled expect these gains to broaden significantly. The data implies that a wider range of major economies will integrate AI into their growth strategies. However, the outlook is not uniformly positive for all regions, with significant concerns regarding global inequality in technological adoption.

What we know

The poll highlights a divergence in expectations for different regions. While the majority see a broadening of AI benefits within the G20, a distinct group of experts holds a more pessimistic view for Africa. Specifically, 32 of the 94 economists surveyed believe that African countries will fall behind as other nations advance. This suggests that while the technology may become more accessible globally, the capacity to leverage it for economic growth may remain unevenly distributed.

Defender's checklist

• Monitor regional AI adoption rates to understand competitive shifts in global markets.
• Assess internal readiness to integrate AI tools for productivity and growth.
• Evaluate potential risks associated with widening technological gaps between regions.
• Review strategic partnerships to ensure access to emerging AI developments.

The background in plain language

Organisations often worry about falling behind in technology adoption. When new tools emerge, early adopters usually gain a competitive edge. Teams should focus on understanding how these tools fit into existing workflows rather than chasing every new trend. It is important to consider long-term strategic value over short-term hype. Assessing internal capabilities helps determine if an organisation can effectively utilise new technologies. This approach ensures that investments align with realistic goals and available resources, preventing wasted effort on unsuitable solutions.

What to do and how to stay safe: Artificial Intelligence

• Review current technology strategies to identify areas where AI could enhance productivity.
• Monitor industry reports for updates on global AI adoption trends and regional disparities.
• Assess workforce skills to determine readiness for integrating new AI tools.
• Engage with industry groups to share insights on effective AI implementation practices.

Step-by-step guide: AI Governance for Small Teams: Practical Controls and Cost

General security guidance from the TechWire Beat newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

What percentage of economists expect AI gains to spread across the G20?

According to the survey, 54% of the 94 economists polled expect AI gains to spread across the G20 over the next decade.

Which countries are expected to benefit most from AI according to the survey?

The survey suggests that benefits will spread beyond the US and China to other G20 nations, rather than being limited to just those two countries.

What concerns do economists have about African countries and AI?

32 of the surveyed economists believe that African countries will fall behind in the adoption and benefits of artificial intelligence compared to other regions.