AI will drive growth. But only Authentic Intelligence can empower the world

AI has become an undeniable driver of corporate growth: 72% of businesses have adopted AI, and estimates show that it will create around 21% of US GDP by 2030. As this new technology unfolds, concerns about human job security have risen as AI's role increases. Research suggests that AI may be responsible for a decrease in wages and job availability, with the World Economic Forum highlighting in the Future of Jobs report that automation tools could displace millions of jobs, especially administrative ones.

This highlights a crucial point: Focusing solely on AI to boost productivity may lead to the devaluation of human capital, potentially worsening conditions for workers even as corporations grow. The solution, however, lies not in disregarding AI but in fostering a symbiosis of intelligence between human and machine. Enter Authentic Intelligence: a new way of thinking about how we can nurture and develop human skills that complement and enhance AI to ensure that human ingenuity remains at the forefront of progress.

Authentic Intelligence emphasizes fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and AI, where AI becomes a tool to enhance our capabilities through critical thinking, thereby retaining control over the technology. Insights from the University of Toronto – one of the key originators of AI – assert that the technology is ultimately a prediction machine; it cannot be entrusted with autonomous decision-making. While AI can generate predictions, it lacks the capacity for judgement, which is essential for effective decision-making. Thus, humans must determine which predictions are valuable and how to act upon them.

Authentic Intelligence thrives on a well-educated, empowered population equipped to utilize AI strategically, and – as I argued in my previous article on the new economic paradigm –individuals must first have a fundamental sense of security to thrive and develop their potential. A study published in the Frontiers in Environmental Science supports this, revealing a positive correlation between infrastructure investment and Human Development Index (HDI) scores. Simply put, when basic needs are met, humans flourish and unleash their creative potential.

Governments have a crucial role to play here. Today, most AI infrastructure investment – from research funding to data centres – tends to benefit large corporations and well-resourced institutions. Under Authentic Intelligence, this approach must shift toward building inclusive infrastructure that empowers individuals and smaller players. This means democratizing access to computing power, expanding AI education for all and ensuring that productivity gains translate into broad-based social benefits. Strengthening economic stability through long-term measures, rather than temporary financial aid, allows people to focus on self-improvement and contribute meaningfully to society. Stronger, more equitable foundations lead to an empowered and future-ready populace.

With AI taking over more essential tasks, particularly those concerning the core functions of businesses, the value created by the majority of the human workforce in many areas pales in comparison to what the technology can achieve. With the potential for AI to reduce human involvement to the minimum, decision-making may be left to the few at the top of the corporate ladder, as others lower down the chain are marginalized or made redundant. The remaining humans may receive less compensation than they deserve, leading to socio-economic problems. This is why we need Authentic Intelligence now; to offset AI’s propensity towards unequal wealth distribution.

Despite its sophistication, AI remains a tool that requires human guidance and oversight. The challenge becomes how to effectively integrate AI into our workflows to maximize its benefits while minimizing its drawbacks. Studies show that AI can be used in a way that does not replace humans, but instead builds new opportunities and enhances our capabilities. An article in Harvard Business Review states that, done right, AI’s automating of routine tasks frees human workers to focus on higher-level cognitive tasks such as creativity, problem-solving and strategic thinking.

While governments are called to provide the infrastructure to facilitate Authentic Intelligence, corporations play an equally critical role. They must prioritize the development of skills that complement AI, such as critical thinking, creativity and emotional intelligence. Investing in these areas ensures that humans remain indispensable in the workplace, contributing value-added expertise alongside AI’s efficiency.

This means organizations investing in training and development programmes to equip their workforce with the skills needed to thrive in the AI era and foster effective human-AI collaboration. Already, there are numerous suggestions for how this could be achieved. In the entertainment industry, human creators could use AI tools to enhance their ideas and reduce “writers’ block”. In healthcare, while AI can analyze big data to perform cancer research breakthroughs, such research works in tandem with healthcare professionals' empathy, intuition and critical thinking in jobs that entail patient interactions.

We should never force ourselves into making an absolute choice between humans and technology. The issue is that if all value comes solely from technology, humans will have no place in the value chain. This is where Authentic Intelligence comes in; it empowers individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive with AI, ensuring a more equitable and prosperous future for all. Embracing this approach will create a future in which technology serves humanity, rather than the other way around. And where value creation – and thus the wealth derived from it – belongs to everyone, not just the privileged few. This is how we create true inclusivity and wealth distribution in this era of AI.