IMF, OECD warn AI could widen rich-poor country divide
SPY•IMF and OECD officials warned that poorer countries, smaller companies and younger workers could miss out on AI gains without better access to power, digital infrastructure and skills. The IMF estimates effective AI adoption could add up to 0.5% to annual global growth over the medium term.
1. Access shapes AI gains
Officials from the IMF and OECD warned that poorer countries, smaller companies and younger workers risk missing out on AI’s benefits unless access to power, digital infrastructure and skills improves. IMF deputy director Era Dabla-Norris said developing economies’ critical question is whether they can adopt and spread AI.
2. Growth and productivity estimates
The IMF estimates effective AI adoption could add up to 0.5% to annual global growth over the medium term, though Dabla-Norris said the productivity evidence so far is much smaller. The OECD estimates AI could add 0.4% to 1.2% to annual productivity growth across its member countries; chief economist Stefano Scarpetta said workplace use trails consumer use, with limited adoption in core business functions.
3. Workers face uneven effects
The IMF estimates about 40% of jobs worldwide could be exposed to AI. Dabla-Norris said younger and entry-level workers could be particularly vulnerable if AI takes over tasks through which employees traditionally gain experience.
