December 2, 2025

AI‑related capital expenditure contributed more to GDP growth than consumer spending in the first half of 2025, and that about 71 percent of people are worried about losing their jobs to AI. Executives acknowledged these concerns but argued that AI will mostly augment rather than replace workers. Entrepreneurs should view this debate as a call to design AI tools that empower employees and address public anxiety.

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The impact of AI on jobs is one of the most hotly debated topics in business. During a panel at the Reuters NEXT conference, experts highlighted that investments in AI infrastructure have now become a larger driver of GDP growth than consumer spending. This surge reflects how companies are pouring capital into data centres, chips and AI models, fueling economic expansion.

Yet this boom comes with anxiety. A poll cited during the session showed that 71 percent of people fear AI could cost them their jobs Executives acknowledged that some roles, particularly repetitive tasks, will likely be automated, but they emphasized that AI can also create new jobs and improve productivity. One speaker noted that about one‑third of global market cap gains since ChatGPT’s launch are attributable to AI‑related companies, underscoring the sector’s economic significance.

For entrepreneurs, these discussions underscore the importance of human‑centric design. When building AI products, consider how they can complement human workers—such as automating data entry so staff can focus on relationship‑building or decision‑making. Invest in reskilling and upskilling programmes for your employees. Transparent communication is key: explain how AI tools will impact roles and provide opportunities for staff to learn new skills.

Addressing public anxiety can also become a competitive advantage. Companies that position their AI solutions as workforce enhancers rather than job killers may gain customer and employee trust. Consider partnering with educational institutions or workforce development organizations to create training pathways tied to your technology.

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