In an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18, Dusek highlighted that AI has progressed beyond experimentation and is now starting to influence the real economy, with companies increasingly integrating the technology into their operations and workflows.
“Is it changing work, or will it change work? It is already changing work. That’s undeniable,” Dusek remarked.
He noted that businesses globally are still in the initial phases of adoption, with many organizations conducting pilot projects to gauge how AI can enhance productivity and efficiency.
However, Dusek emphasized that the greater opportunity lies in rethinking workflows and generating new forms of value through human-technology collaboration.
“I believe the real goal — the holy grail, if you will — is to scale up processes, especially in the agentic economy, where workflows are completely redesigned, allowing both technology and people to create new value,” he stated.
Dusek referred to this phase as a “remarkable moment” for the global economy, suggesting that AI could emerge as a significant new engine of economic growth.
“AI has the potential to unlock a completely new source of growth, truly expanding the overall pie of the world economy and individual economies within it,” he remarked.
He also highlighted increased investment in AI infrastructure and the growing momentum within the technology ecosystem, particularly in the United States and Silicon Valley.
Dusek pointed out that businesses are increasingly focusing on how employees can adapt to changes driven by AI through reskilling and upskilling.
“This partnership — understanding how to motivate employees, upskill them, and reassess workflows and processes in light of these tools — is essential,” he explained.
Dusek indicated that the World Economic Forum is facilitating dialogues among technology firms, labor economists, and policymakers to better comprehend AI’s impact on labor markets and devise appropriate policy measures.
He added that many governments are now actively working to establish regulatory and policy frameworks for AI, although approaches vary significantly across different regions.
“We collaborate with political leaders globally, which reveals various sentiments and strategies across jurisdictions,” he noted.
Dusek observed that the European Union has invested years in developing its AI framework, while other economies are still assessing how to find the right balance between innovation and regulation.
Despite concerns regarding job displacement, Dusek mentioned that WEF research indicates AI could eventually foster net job creation in the long run.
“In our latest Future of Jobs report from last year, research involving think tanks and global experts revealed that by 2030, AI could indeed be job-positive,” he stated.
He also mentioned that more affordable and accessible AI tools could spark a fresh wave of entrepreneurship worldwide, provided that countries possess the necessary infrastructure and energy systems to facilitate innovation.
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Some of the understanding regarding AI’s long-term economic effects is still developing, according to Dusek, making it crucial for governments and businesses to continue collaborating and exchanging knowledge.
“Much of the knowledge simply isn’t available yet,” he said. “So how do you ensure that, as a policymaker, you rely not only on established tools and proven knowledge but also adequately engage with counterparts in other governments and in the industry to get it right?”
