Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
According to the OECD, over one-third of individuals in OECD countries used generative artificial intelligence tools in 2025, reflecting rapid AI integration into daily life. However, usage varies widely among population groups, with the largest gap by age at 53.6 percentage points. Divides by educational attainment and income are each about 21 percentage points, while the gender gap is smaller at 4.2 percentage points. AI usage is highest among students aged 16 and over, with 75% reporting use. Employment status also impacts usage, with 41.1% of employed individuals and 36.7% of unemployed persons using AI, compared to 12.5% among retired or inactive groups.
At the firm level, AI adoption has grown significantly. In 2025, 20.2% of firms in OECD countries reported using AI, up from 14.2% in 2024 and 8.7% in 2023, representing more than a twofold increase in two years. Growth moderated to 42.4% in 2025. The highest adoption rate was seen in ICT firms at 57.3%, followed by professional and scientific services at 36.8%. Strong growth also occurred in industries that had lagged, such as accommodation and food services (62.5%) and construction (59.1%). Other sectors saw growth ranging from 25.8% to 51.7%.
Investment trends show global interest in AI technologies. U.S. venture capital investors led worldwide AI investments in 2020 with 43% of the total, followed by Chinese investors at 20%, and EU27 investors with 9%. This distribution reflects varying strategic outlooks on AI innovation globally.
Research publication counts indicate AI R&D activity and innovation. China leads with 22% of global AI publications, followed by the EU at 14% and the U.S. at 11%. China's growth in publications has coincided with its 2017 New Generation AI Development Plan.