Fortune · 23 Oct, 12:51 · Business briefing

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon on AI's economic impact: 'There's very little that we do where we need frontier models'

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon has challenged the prevailing narrative regarding artificial intelligence, asserting that frontier models are rarely necessary for most business operations.

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Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon has challenged the prevailing narrative regarding artificial intelligence, asserting that frontier models are rarely necessary for most business operations. Speaking to Fortune, he argued that the economic impact of AI is often overstated in financial contexts. Instead, he emphasised the utility of simpler, more cost-effective solutions. This perspective suggests a pragmatic shift away from expensive, complex infrastructure towards practical, targeted technological adoption. Professionals should note this distinction between hype and operational reality, recognising that value creation often stems from efficient application rather than cutting-edge experimentation.

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)
20191x20201.4x20212.1x20223x20234.3x20246.1x20258.7x202611.7x
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This commentary shifts the focus from chasing cutting-edge technology to mastering practical application. You should prioritise understanding how to integrate existing tools efficiently rather than investing heavily in complex model training. Roles in process optimisation and operational efficiency will gain prominence as firms seek cost-effective solutions. Focus on developing strong analytical skills to identify where AI adds genuine value versus where it creates unnecessary complexity. Smart professionals will upskill in data literacy and strategic implementation, ensuring they can drive measurable outcomes without relying on expensive infrastructure. You must demonstrate the ability to evaluate technology critically, aligning it with specific business needs rather than following trends. This approach makes you indispensable in an environment demanding fiscal responsibility and tangible results.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are AI Strategy, Business And Management, Data Science and Finance and Accounting — 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
AI Strategy+35%Business And Management+34%Data Science+27%Finance and Accounting+32%
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This briefing is based on reporting by Fortune on 23 Oct, 12:51. Read the original coverage →

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