Artificial intelligence could raise overall labour productivity by as much as 3.8% over the long term, according to a new study based on patent and employment data from developed economies. The research found that the rapid growth of AI related innovation has already been linked to measurable improvements in productivity. It estimated that AI patent activity between 2000 and 2017 lifted output per worker by around 0.8% to 1.2%.

The study examined the broader impact of AI technology on labour productivity using patent data from countries belonging to the Organisation for Economic Co operation and Development. Researchers analysed data covering the period from 2000 to 2017 to assess how AI innovation affected productivity across economies.

The findings indicate that AI could deliver greater economic benefits when it supports the work of skilled employees rather than simply replacing existing tasks.