The Repercussions of Artificial Intelligence on Pathways of Economic Growth and Productivity
Abstract
This study examines the interconnected relationship between artificial intelligence and the global economy, in light of the latest international reports for the 2025-2026 period, combining quantitative and qualitative dimensions. The study proceeds from a core problem: does artificial intelligence represent an engine for inclusive growth, or a tool that deepens disparities between countries and societies? The study relies on a descriptive-analytical and comparative methodology, addressing the macroeconomic impact of artificial intelligence on output, productivity, and investment, along with implications for the labor market, development, and the digital divide between advanced and developing countries. Among the notable findings: a recent IMF study, coded WP/25/076, estimates that the growth impact of artificial intelligence in advanced economies may exceed double that recorded in low-income countries, reflecting the risk of widening the global economic gap rather than narrowing it. The World Bank’s 2025 report indicates that more than 40% of global Chat-GPT traffic originates from middle-income countries, which is an indicator of expanding usage beyond traditionally advanced economies. Conversely, the International Labour Organization’s 2025 report warns that one in every four jobs worldwide is exposed to transformation driven by generative artificial intelligence, emphasizing that the more likely scenario is occupational transformation rather than complete labor displacement, thus necessitating large-scale professional retraining for the affected workforce. The study concludes that artificial intelligence carries exceptional growth potential, while simultaneously posing fundamental challenges related to economic justice and the digital divide, thereby requiring coordinated policies to ensure a fair and balanced distribution of the gains from this technological transformation across all countries and societies.