AI Skills Boom Drives Corporate Investment and Hiring Premiums, But Economic Returns Remain Elusive

AI skills are commanding hiring premiums and driving massive corporate investment, yet Goldman Sachs reports AI contributed virtually nothing to U.S. GDP growth in 2025, raising urgent concerns that companies may be using the AI frenzy as cover to eliminate workers lacking these skills.

• Demand for AI skills is surging across industries, with LinkedIn and KPMG reports highlighting growing corporate investment and willingness to pay premiums for AI-literate employees.
• Despite the enthusiasm, real-world returns remain questionable, as Goldman Sachs Chief Economist Jan Hatzius states AI investment contributed 'basically zero' to U.S. GDP growth in 2025, and OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap confirms enterprise AI adoption has yet to penetrate core business processes at scale.
• The AI skills frenzy raises serious workforce concerns, as companies driven by FOMO may use the trend as justification to cut employees lacking AI capabilities, potentially creating a zero-sum economy where those without AI skills are left behind.