UK officials once claimed artificial intelligence would add £400 billion to the economy. That figure largely traced back to Google, according to new reporting.
The AI minister now concedes the real estimate is less than a third of that amount. Researchers point to the country’s slow rate of AI adoption as a key cause.
The original number shaped public expectations and policy discussion. It suggested AI would deliver a massive boost to UK productivity and growth.
Evidence now suggests the forecast was far too optimistic. Adoption has lagged behind the pace needed to support such gains.
Google’s involvement in the estimate has raised questions about how economic projections are sourced. Researchers argue such figures need independent scrutiny.
Slow adoption remains the central obstacle. Businesses have been hesitant to integrate AI tools into daily operations.
The revised estimate offers a more measured view of AI’s economic role. It also highlights the gap between early promises and current reality.
