TechCrunch · 25 Oct, 16:57 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

AI delivers ‘zero financial payoff’ to most companies, Apollo economist says

Recent analysis by an Apollo economist suggests that artificial intelligence yields negligible financial returns for the majority of corporate entities.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Recent analysis by an Apollo economist suggests that artificial intelligence yields negligible financial returns for the majority of corporate entities. This finding challenges prevailing narratives regarding immediate AI profitability, indicating that most organisations struggle to translate technological adoption into tangible bottom-line improvements. For professionals, this highlights a critical distinction between hype and measurable value, suggesting that successful AI integration remains the exception rather than the rule. The report underscores the complexity of realising commercial benefits from advanced technologies.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This reality check demands a strategic shift in your career approach. Rather than chasing generic AI buzzwords, focus on demonstrating tangible value through rigorous business acumen. Your ability to critically evaluate technology investments and manage complex implementation projects becomes paramount. Prioritise skills that bridge technical capability with financial outcomes, such as strategic planning and risk assessment. You must learn to articulate how specific tools solve concrete business problems rather than adopting them for novelty. Cultivate expertise in project governance and change management to navigate the challenges of integration. By positioning yourself as a pragmatic operator who can deliver measurable results, you distinguish yourself from peers who merely follow trends. Focus on understanding the economic rationale behind technology adoption to remain relevant and valuable in an increasingly sceptical market.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are AI Strategy, Project Management, Risk Management Strategies and Business And Management — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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