1. Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming production processes, services and decision-making across advanced economies. This proposal examines how AI adoption has affected workforce productivity in the United Kingdom and the United States between 2015 and 2025 using a comparative mixed-methods approach.
2. Problem Statement
Despite heavy investment, the direct link between AI adoption and measurable productivity gains remains unclear and may vary by sector and national context. This study investigates those relationships and the moderating role of skills, infrastructure and policy.
3. Objectives
- Measure the correlation between AI adoption and productivity growth (2015–2025).
- Evaluate sectoral employment effects (augmentation vs displacement).
- Recommend policies to maximise inclusive productivity gains.
4. Methodology
The study uses a mixed-methods design. Quantitative analysis will use ONS and BLS datasets (sectoral output per worker, output per hour) and regression/moderation models. Qualitative semi-structured interviews will be conducted with industry experts in both countries. Data handling will follow ethical standards and relevant data protection laws.
5. Figures & Tables
| Series / Year | 2015 | 2017 | 2019 | 2021 | 2023 | 2025 (proj.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK Productivity Growth (%) | 1.5 | 1.7 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 |
| USA Productivity Growth (%) | 1.2 | 1.8 | 2.3 | 2.9 | 3.4 | 3.8 |
| Sector | Job Growth (%) | Job Displacement (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 5 | 3 |
| Healthcare | 8 | 2 |
| Finance | 6 | 1 |
| Education | 4 | 1 |
| IT | 10 | 4 |
6. Expected Results
Anticipated findings: positive correlation between AI adoption and productivity in knowledge industries with heterogeneous sectoral employment impacts. Policy recommendations will emphasise reskilling, infrastructure, and inclusive innovation.
7. References
- Brynjolfsson, E., & McAfee, A. (2017). Machine, Platform, Crowd.
- Frey, C. B., & Osborne, M. A. (2017). The Future of Employment. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 114.
- OECD. (2022). AI in the Workplace.
- ONS. (2023). Artificial Intelligence and Productivity in the UK.
- Russell, S., & Norvig, P. (2020). Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach.