AI adoption and development accelerate globally amid workforce shifts

Global AI adoption is accelerating, with developed economies like the US, UK, France, and the Netherlands leading at rates of 15–20%, while emerging markets follow at 10–15%. A Goldman Sachs report notes that industries highly exposed to automation, such as call centers and software publishing, have seen a slowdown in job openings since late 2022. In the US, call center employment has dropped 39% below trend.

Technological development is also speeding up. The average interval for releasing high-performance AI models in the US and China has dropped to 44 days, roughly one-third of previous levels. This acceleration is partially driven by AI being used to assist in its own research and development.

On the human side, an IBM study reveals a disconnect in workforce priorities. While 71% of Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs) believe supervising and overriding AI is a critical skill, only 29% of employees prioritize judgment. Furthermore, 60% of employees express concern that AI is eroding their skills, particularly critical thinking.

Diplomatically, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese officials have held successful talks in New York, agreeing to establish a ‘US-China AI dialogue’ to share views on common goals and threats ahead of a presidential summit.