Artificial intelligence investment remains one of the most durable growth themes in the global economy. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), spending on AI is expected to keep rising, even as broader economic conditions soften and trade uncertainty lingers.
The Paris-based institution recently upgraded forecasts for several major economies, including the U.S., noting that technology investment is already helping offset external pressures. AI, in particular, is emerging as a stabilizing force at a time when traditional growth drivers face headwinds.
OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann said the momentum behind AI investment is far from peaking. In comments to Bloomberg Television, he explained, “We do expect that the level of investment in relation to AI will continue to increase for some time,” adding, “Over the medium- to long-term, we do expect a significant beneficial impact when it comes to productivity growth from the accelerating diffusion and adoption of AI across the economy.”
As AI tools diffuse more broadly through supply chains, services, and manufacturing, efficiency gains could help counter slower labor growth and rising input costs.
That optimism, however, is tempered by a more cautious macro outlook. The OECD expects global economic growth to slow to 2.9% next year, from 3.2% in 2025. Trade-related risks remain elevated, with tariffs and policy uncertainty yet to be fully reflected in economic data.
Cormann warned that downside risks are still material. “The impact of tariffs are yet to be fully felt and there is a continued level of trade uncertainty and a whole range of other structural pressures.”
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