The Generative A.I. Paradox: Why Billions in Investment Aren't Paying Off Yet
Despite the surge in corporate spending on artificial intelligence, many companies are grappling with what has been termed the “generative A.I. paradox.” While nearly 80% of businesses are utilizing generative A.I., a staggering number report no significant impact on their bottom line. This echoes the historical “productivity paradox” seen during the rise of personal computers, where massive investments did not translate into immediate efficiency gains.
As firms like JPMorgan Chase and USAA experiment with A.I. to enhance customer service and operational efficiency, the results are mixed. Some projects are yielding promising improvements, while others are being shelved due to technical challenges and human resistance. The reality is that while the technology is advancing rapidly, the path to widespread, transformative adoption remains fraught with hurdles.
Looking ahead, the question remains: will companies find the right strategies to harness the full potential of A.I., or will the current trend of disillusionment continue to hinder progress?
Original source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/13/business/ai-business-payoff-lags.html