Summary
A Stanford professor explains that AI's potential to boost productivity is real but takes time to show because it involves both people and machines working together. Initial investments in AI often don't lead to immediate productivity gains, which can make it seem less effective at first. Over time, as organizations adapt, more significant benefits from AI can emerge.
Key Facts
- Erik Brynjolfsson, a Stanford professor, says AI's biggest gains come from working with, not replacing, humans.
- AI enhancements often lead to early disappointments in productivity data.
- AI is compared to past technologies that initially slow productivity before introducing larger gains.
- Companies need to invest in new skills and workflows for AI to be more effective.
- The "productivity J-curve" theory suggests that benefits from AI grow over time as these investments mature.
- Brynjolfsson warns against AI that imitates humans too closely, which could lower the value of human work.
- The long-term success of AI relies on companies redesigning work processes and measuring progress differently.
