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Thousands of CEOs just admitted AI had no impact on employment or productivity

fortune.com

February 18, 2026

5 min read

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72/100

Summary

A recent survey revealed that thousands of CEOs believe AI has not significantly impacted employment or productivity. This sentiment has led economists to revisit Robert Solow's paradox regarding the unexpected slowdown in productivity growth following technological advancements in the Information Age.

Key Takeaways

Nearly 90% of firms reported that AI has had no impact on employment or productivity over the last three years.
A study found that while about two-thirds of executives use AI, their usage averages only 1.5 hours per week, with 25% not using AI at all.
Executives forecast a 1.4% increase in productivity and a 0.8% increase in output from AI over the next three years, despite current data showing minimal impact.
Economists are questioning when AI will yield a return on corporate investments, which exceeded $250 billion in 2024.

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Analysis ready

Community Sentiment

Mixed

Positives

The historical context of Solow's productivity paradox suggests that AI's impact may take time to materialize, indicating potential future benefits.
The mention of Microsoft Copilot trials in Fortune 500 companies highlights that some organizations are beginning to explore AI's capabilities, which could lead to productivity improvements.

Concerns

Many large organizations remain unaware of AI's functionalities, indicating a significant gap in adoption that could hinder productivity gains.
Concerns about AI use being perceived as low within companies suggest a culture of pressure rather than genuine integration, potentially leading to wasted investments.