Artificial intelligence, once a mere concept from science fiction, has now become an integral part of our daily lives. As the world undergoes a new wave of technological and industrial transformation, AI is rapidly reshaping industries, economies, and societies. We are entering the "Intelligent Age," where nations around the globe are racing to establish their positions in this emerging field. China, too, has made significant strategic moves, with the State Council issuing the "Next-Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan" this year. This comprehensive plan outlines the guiding principles, strategic goals, key tasks, and safeguard measures for China’s AI development up to 2030, aiming to secure a first-mover advantage and accelerate the building of a global innovation power.
The Economic Information Daily has launched a special series called "Intelligent Times," featuring three in-depth reports that explore the impact of AI on the global economy. According to statistics from 20 authoritative organizations, AI is expected to boost global GDP growth by about 12%, adding nearly $10 trillion to the world economy by 2030. Analysts suggest that AI will drive economic growth through three main channels: enhancing productivity, stimulating consumer demand, and fostering innovation across industries. The U.S. and China are expected to lead this transformation, with both countries investing heavily in research, development, and application.
Globally, the AI market has seen rapid expansion. In 2018, the global AI market reached 269.73 billion yuan, growing at a rate of 17%. Over the past five years, the average annual growth rate has been 15%. In China, the AI market was less than 30 billion yuan in 2016 but is projected to exceed 38 billion yuan by 2018, with a compound annual growth rate of 26.3%. By 2016, there were nearly 1,000 AI companies worldwide, with the U.S. leading with 502 firms. Major tech giants like Google have also entered the AI space, signaling the industry's growing importance.
Goldman Sachs and other institutions predict that by 2030, more than half of the growth in AI-driven economies will come from increased labor productivity, while the rest will stem from higher consumer demand. PricewaterhouseCoopers estimates that AI could add $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with China and North America benefiting the most—accounting for nearly 70% of the total growth. While North America may see faster productivity gains initially, China is expected to catch up over time as it continues to build its technological capabilities.
In China, Accenture forecasts that AI could increase the country’s total economic value added by $7.1 trillion by 2035, boosting labor productivity by 27%. However, experts caution that AI also brings challenges, such as job displacement and ethical concerns. Companies must prepare for these changes by integrating AI into their strategies and rethinking business models.
Investment in AI has surged globally. From 2012 to 2016, venture capital in AI grew from $589 million to over $5 billion, with numerous mergers and acquisitions driving innovation. Tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have acquired dozens of AI startups, signaling a shift toward automation and smart systems.
AI is not just changing how businesses operate—it is transforming entire industries. In finance, Goldman Sachs estimates that AI could generate $34–$43 billion annually in value by 2025 through cost savings and new revenue streams. In Japan, AI has already replaced human workers in some sectors, reducing costs and improving efficiency. Yet, it has also created new roles, such as data analysts and AI developers, showing that AI can both disrupt and create opportunities.
As AI continues to evolve, it is clear that the future belongs to those who can harness its potential. Countries like the U.S., China, Japan, and the EU are all investing heavily in AI research and infrastructure. The race for leadership in this field is on, and the winners will shape the next era of global innovation.
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