Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept confined to research laboratories; it has become a powerful economic force reshaping industries, labour markets and societies. From healthcare and education to finance and manufacturing, AI is transforming how value is created and how decisions are made. However, alongside its enormous potential, a critical question is emerging: Who will benefit most from the intelligence economy and who risks being left behind?

 

Throughout previous technological revolutions, innovation has generated new opportunities while also creating periods of economic disruption. The industrial revolution, the digital revolution and now the AI revolution share a common challenge: Technological progress does not automatically guarantee equal benefits. Without inclusive policies, access to technology, and investment in human capabilities, AI could become a new driver of economic inequality rather than a tool for shared prosperity.

 

The intelligence economy is built on three essential resources: Data, computing power and human expertise. Organisations and countries that possess advanced digital infrastructure, research capabilities, and highly skilled talent are better positioned to capture the economic value generated by AI. Meanwhile, individuals and communities with limited access to digital tools, quality education, or AI-related skills may face growing disadvantages. This emerging gap represents a new form of inequality the AI divide which goes beyond traditional digital access and focuses on the ability to effectively use and benefit from intelligent technologies.

 

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), artificial intelligence is expected to affect a significant share of jobs worldwide, with advanced economies experiencing greater exposure due to the higher prevalence of cognitive tasks. However, the impact of AI will not be uniform. While some workers may benefit from increased productivity and new opportunities, others may experience disruption if they lack the skills required to work alongside AI systems. The challenge is therefore not simply about whether AI will replace jobs, but whether societies can prepare people for the changing nature of work.

 

The World Economic Forum has highlighted that the future of work will increasingly depend on skills such as analytical thinking, technological literacy, creativity and adaptability. This means that education systems and workforce development strategies must evolve. Countries that successfully integrate AI skills into education and professional training will be better positioned to benefit from the AI economy, while those that fail to invest in human capital risk widening existing economic gaps.

 

For developing countries, including those in the Arab region, the challenge is both urgent and strategic. AI offers significant opportunities to improve public services, enhance productivity, support entrepreneurship and address social challenges. However, these benefits will only be realized if access to AI technologies is accompanied by investments in education, digital infrastructure, research and ethical governance. Otherwise, AI could reinforce existing inequalities between and within countries.

 

Jordan, with its strong emphasis on education, technology and digital transformation, has an opportunity to position itself as an active participant in the AI economy. Building a workforce capable of using and developing AI applications requires strengthening digital skills across educational levels, encouraging innovation, supporting research institutions and ensuring that AI adoption benefits different segments of society. The goal should not only be to adopt AI technologies but to create an ecosystem where citizens can participate in and benefit from technological progress.

 

At the global level, addressing AI-driven inequality requires cooperation between governments, businesses, educational institutions and international organisations. Responsible AI governance must focus not only on innovation and economic growth but also on fairness, accessibility and social inclusion. The question facing the world is not whether artificial intelligence will transform economies it already is but whether this transformation will create broader opportunities or concentrate wealth and power among those who are already advantaged.

 

Artificial intelligence has the potential to become one of humanity’s greatest tools for progress. However, technology alone cannot deliver economic equality. The future of the intelligence economy will depend on the choices societies make today: Whether they invest in people, expand access to knowledge, and ensure that AI serves the many rather than the few.

 

Lubna Hanna Ammari, is assistant dean of Ammon Applied University College