Thousands of CEOs admit AI had no impact on employment or productivity—and it has economists resurrecting a paradox from 40 years ago

A February 2025 survey of 6,000 CEOs by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that despite widespread AI adoption claims, measurable productivity gains remain elusive, reviving economist Robert Solow's 1987 productivity paradox. While S&P 500 companies frequently cite positive AI implementations in earnings calls, broader productivity statistics fail to reflect these gains. The disconnect raises questions about whether corporate AI investments are delivering expected returns.