A new FICCI–BCG report says artificial intelligence could add $15.7 trillion to the world economy by 2030, with uneven adoption across regions.

NEW DELHI: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is on track to become the biggest driver of global economic growth, with a new report estimating that it could add $15.7 trillion to global GDP by 2030. The study, released jointly by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), highlights both the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption across different regions.

According to the findings, over 66 percent of developed economies already have national AI strategies in place, compared to just 30 percent of developing economies and only 12 percent of least-developed nations. This uneven adoption underscores the growing digital divide, with experts warning that countries without strong AI roadmaps risk being left behind in the coming decade.

AI is expected to generate growth by enhancing productivity, enabling smarter decision-making, and creating entirely new markets. Its impact will be felt across industries including healthcare, agriculture, finance, retail, and manufacturing, with automation and data-driven insights driving efficiency at an unprecedented scale.

However, the report also cautioned that governments and businesses must address challenges such as job displacement, ethical concerns, and the need for robust data protection frameworks. For countries in the developing world, investing in AI infrastructure, skills training, and public–private partnerships will be key to reaping the benefits of the AI revolution.

Experts believe that the next five years will be crucial, as early adopters gain a competitive advantage in innovation, trade, and economic resilience. As AI moves from pilot projects to large-scale deployment, its contribution to global GDP could surpass the combined economic output of major world economies today.

The report concludes that collaboration between governments, industries, and academia will be vital to ensuring that AI’s potential is harnessed equitably, helping both advanced and emerging economies benefit from the technology.

-Agencies