Recent research indicates that the anticipated benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing workplace productivity and transforming business operations have not yet been realized by many executives. This finding comes from a comprehensive study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), which surveyed approximately 6,000 CEOs, CFOs, and corporate executives across the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia.
Limited AI Adoption in Workplaces
According to the survey, about two-thirds of the respondents confirmed that they have integrated AI technologies into their workplaces. However, the extent of utilization remains modest, averaging only 1.5 hours per week. Notably, a quarter of the executives admitted they had never employed AI in their professional roles.
Minimal Impact on Productivity
Interestingly, the research highlights that nearly 90 percent of companies reported that AI has not significantly affected productivity levels or workforce numbers over the past three years. Despite these findings, many corporate leaders maintain a positive outlook, believing that AI will begin to demonstrate its potential benefits within the next few years.
Future Projections for AI Benefits
The executives involved in the study anticipate that AI could increase productivity by approximately 1.4 percent and enhance company output by about 0.8 percent by 2029. This expectation reflects a broader historical pattern in technology adoption, reminiscent of the late 1980s when computer technology was similarly predicted to revolutionize corporate efficiency.
The Solow Paradox Revisited
During that era, economist Robert Solow famously remarked that while computers were visible everywhere, their impact on productivity statistics was not. This phenomenon, known as the Solow Paradox, appears to be resurfacing with AI, as many experts, including Apollo's chief economist Torsten Slok, have noted that while AI is present in various sectors, its effects on economic data—productivity, employment, and inflation—remain elusive.
Nevertheless, this does not imply that AI lacks potential. A 2023 study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) discovered that AI usage could boost individual worker performance by nearly 40 percent compared to those not utilizing such technologies. However, this improvement has yet to translate into significant gains at the organizational or economic levels.
Further research, including the Global Talent Barometer Survey 2026 conducted by ManpowerGroup, comprising nearly 14,000 workers across 19 countries, sheds light on why the productivity benefits of AI are not immediately observable.
In conclusion, while the current landscape reveals a challenging scenario for AI’s integration and impact, many executives remain hopeful for a future where AI's potential is fully realized across various industries.
Source: https://tekno.kompas.com/read/2026/08/01/10020007/riset-ribuan-ceo-mengaku-ai-belum-banyak-bantu-perusahaan
