OECD Report Highlights Accelerating AI Adoption and Persistent Gaps

The OECD Digital Economy and Society Outlook 2026 reveals that AI adoption is surging across member economies, yet significant structural gaps remain. While large firms are rapidly integrating AI systems into their operations, smaller businesses struggle with implementation costs and technical integration. The report notes that generative AI usage among individuals reached 37% in 2025, but usage is heavily skewed toward younger, higher-income demographics. Only 14% of older adults reported using generative AI, compared to 68% of those aged 16-24. Policymakers are now shifting from technology-neutral approaches to more targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to computing capacity and AI skills. The findings underscore that while AI is becoming a standard business tool, the digital divide is evolving into an 'AI gap' that could limit the broader economic benefits of the technology if not addressed through inclusive policy frameworks.