Artificial Intelligence Raises Private Debt Risks and Skill Shortages

Analysts warn that rapid adoption of artificial intelligence could trigger a wave of private‑sector bankruptcies as entire industries shrink or disappear. The loss of jobs would reduce tax revenues and increase defaults on corporate, mortgage and consumer loans, creating pressure on banks, insurers and public finances.

A new OECD report highlights that the main obstacle to AI deployment in many firms, especially small and medium‑size manufacturers and financial institutions, is a shortage of appropriate skills. Around 40 % of employers cite a lack of digital and AI competencies as the reason they have not yet adopted the technology, while less than 1 % of workers need specialist AI programming knowledge. The study stresses the need for broader digital literacy and human‑centred skills such as problem‑solving, communication and creativity to enable productive AI use.