OECD report highlights growing AI adoption gaps across generations and businesses

A new OECD Digital Economy and Society Outlook 2026 report reveals significant disparities in artificial intelligence adoption. While AI use is expanding across OECD economies, a divide persists between large and small enterprises, as well as between different age groups.

Large firms are more than twice as likely to utilize AI compared to the average firm. In 2025, approximately 20% of enterprises with 10 or more employees used AI, whereas 52% of large enterprises with 250 or more employees had adopted the technology. Projections suggest this gap could remain significant through the end of the decade.

Generational gaps are also prominent. While internet access among 55- to 74-year-olds rose from 58% in 2015 to 87% in 2025, generative AI usage remains low among older adults at 14%, compared to 68% for those aged 16 to 24. Barriers for older users include a perceived lack of need, skill deficits, and low awareness. Conversely, AI-powered assistants and voice commands offer potential benefits for older populations, assisting with medication reminders, scheduling, and communication accessibility.