AI Could Reduce Debt Through Revenue Growth

Serdar HocamAuthor & Editor

The efficiency gains provided by artificial intelligence could help developed countries reduce their budget deficits and debt-to-GDP ratios, though this impact will vary depending on countries' economic structures.

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COMMENTARY: AI could help governments cut debt — but unevenly

The productivity gains that artificial intelligence technologies will bring to individuals and businesses could help governments in developed markets reduce their budget deficits and debt-to-GDP ratios.

Productivity Gains and GDP Expectations

Estimates regarding artificial intelligence's contribution to gross domestic product growth carry uncertainty and vary among experts.

In surveys conducted by Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago economist Ezra Karger and colleagues, it was projected that the annual median contribution of artificial intelligence to US growth would be 0.5 percentage points by 2031.

Economists' More Cautious Approach

Economists adopt a much more conservative stance regarding AI-driven growth, expecting an increase of only 0.1 percentage points annually over the next five years.

This situation reveals that differing views exist regarding the timing and scale of technological development's economic impacts.

Impact on Tax Revenues and Budget Deficits

Increased productivity should indirectly boost government tax revenues through rising corporate profits and real wages, thereby lowering budget deficits and debt ratios.

According to CBO projections, while the US debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to reach 120 percent in 2036, an annual 0.5 percentage point productivity increase could pull this ratio down to lower levels.

Complex Social Concerns in Practice

In practice, issues such as inequality, unemployment, and increases in welfare payments are among the factors complicating the economic situation.

Such socioeconomic factors make it difficult to assess the net impact of artificial intelligence on fiscal policies.

Potential Scenarios for the United Kingdom

In countries with higher tax rates and smaller deficits, artificial intelligence productivity growth could be a major turning point.

According to OBR forecasts, while the UK's debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to be 95 percent in 2031, artificial intelligence support could reduce this ratio to approximately 89 percent.