The Effects of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics on Businesses

Using an original survey of more than 3,000 Japanese companies, this paper overviews their attitude toward artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and big data, as well as their views on the effects of these new technologies on future business and employment situations. The major findings can be summarized as follows. First, companies classified into the service sector have a positive attitude on the effects of AI, suggesting the importance of paying attention to "AI-using industries" as well as "AI-producing industries." Second, we observe complementarity between AI and the skill level of employees. This result suggests that in order to accelerate the development and diffusion of AI and to maintain employment opportunities, upgrading human capital is essential. Third, companies selling their products and services globally tend to have a positive attitude toward the effects of AI, indicating that globalization of economic activities will facilitate the development and diffusion of AI.

This is the English version of the Japanese Discussion Paper (16-E-066) with some additional information and changes.

Forthcoming: Morikawa, Masayuki. "Firms' Expectations about the Impact of AI and Robotics: Evidence from a Survey," Economic Inquiry.