How AI can move from hype to global solutions

• This article is part of World Economic Forum Annual Meeting

• By Maria Basso, Head, AI Applications and Impact, World Economic Forum and Cathy Li, Head, AI, Data and Metaverse; Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum

• Generative and agentic artificial intelligence (AI) are set to revolutionize industries by automating tasks, enhancing decision-making and enabling hyper-personalized solutions; however, adoption remains uneven.

• Scalable and responsible AI integration depends on fostering collaborative ecosystems, building trust and prioritizing workforce reskilling and cybersecurity.

• AI’s transformative potential offers groundbreaking solutions in healthcare, sustainability and global connectivity; however, realizing this potential requires strategic investments in the right priorities.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve at a remarkable pace, its integration into industries and society promises unprecedented transformation.

Yet, as highlighted in the World Economic Forum’s AI Governance Alliance report series, Industries in the Intelligent Age, this rapid evolution also presents significant challenges that require a thoughtful, multi-stakeholder approach.

The current landscape of AI adoption

AI technologies such as generative AI (GenAI) and agentic AI are poised to redefine industries by automating tasks, enhancing decision-making and delivering hyper-personalized experiences. Yet, only 5% of US companies currently use AI in their products, highlighting the slow transition from experimentation to enterprise-level integration​.

Barriers to adoption include cultural hesitations and operational challenges. Concerns about the future of jobs can limit collaboration but also highlight the need for fair access to opportunities and reskilling. Additionally, data shortages, high energy consumption and high costs of training large models intensify the complexity.

Despite these challenges, some companies are leading the way with the anticipated emergence of “agentic” systems in 2025, which are set to accelerate AI adoption by enabling the autonomous execution of complex tasks.

Pillars of transformation

To unlock AI’s full promise, businesses are addressing the following enablers:

• Building collaborative ecosystems: Successful AI adoption requires robust partnerships between private enterprises, governments, civil society and academia. These collaborations foster knowledge sharing, ethical innovation and collective problem-solving, which are essential for overcoming AI’s inherent risks.

• Establishing trust and self-governance: Trust is the foundation for AI’s widespread acceptance. Companies must adopt self-governance frameworks emphasizing transparency, accountability and fairness. Ethical considerations in AI development, such as bias mitigation and privacy protection, are critical to gaining stakeholder confidence.

• Investing in talent and cybersecurity: As AI reshapes industries, organizations must prioritize workforce reskilling and robust cybersecurity measures. Equipping employees with AI competencies and safeguarding systems against emerging threats is essential for sustainable growth.

The future of AI: Beyond efficiency

AI’s true potential extends far beyond simply improving efficiency and productivity. While its ability to automate routine tasks and streamline operations is undeniable, AI is poised to become a catalyst for innovation, driving profound changes across industries and society.

To harness its transformative power, we must shift our focus from automation alone to AI’s capacity for solving global challenges and unlocking new opportunities.

AI is already making strides in fields such as healthcare, enabling breakthroughs in early disease detection, personalized treatments and drug discovery. By analyzing vast datasets, AI models can identify patterns that human researchers might miss, accelerating medical advancements at an unprecedented rate.

In sustainability, AI’s ability to optimize energy consumption in manufacturing processes or predict climate events is going to be crucial in the fight against environmental degradation.

Machine learning models can also analyze environmental data to predict natural disasters, improving response strategies and potentially saving lives. Additionally, AI-powered tools, such as universal translation, enhance global connectivity, break down language barriers and foster inclusivity.

Realizing this expansive potential requires bold leadership and a commitment to ethical stewardship. It’s not just about technological advancements but shaping AI as a cornerstone for long-term industry transformation and societal progress.

By addressing these larger challenges, AI can move beyond its role as a productivity tool to become a transformative force for good.

A collective call to action

The next chapter of AI’s evolution calls for a strategic, balanced approach – one that amplifies benefits while mitigating risks. Success hinges on fostering collaborative ecosystems, embedding ethical practices and prioritizing societal well-being to unlock AI’s full transformative potential responsibly.

Organizations at the forefront of this movement have the opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating how AI can drive innovation while addressing global challenges. The AI Transformation of Industries initiative, part of the Forum’s AI Governance Alliance, offers a trusted, neutral platform to guide this journey.

With a focus on scalable, impactful and ethical AI integration, it equips leaders with the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of AI adoption.

By participating in this initiative, leaders can help shape a future where AI serves as a powerful force for positive change – advancing industries, enriching societies and fostering sustainable progress. Join the movement to ensure AI drives an inclusive, ethical and transformative future for all.