The Productivity Implications of How CFO Survey Firms are Using AI

Author

Sonya Ravindranath Waddell

Posted to EERN: April 8, 2025

FEDERAL RESERVE RESEARCH: Richmond

If recent developments in generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) and large language models live up to the imagination, they will enable productivity growth and have significant implications for the macroeconomy. Indeed, a host of researchers and economists predict notable productivity and efficiency gains from AI over the coming decade. Some researchers argue that AI has not yet delivered on the promise of technology like the internet has, which even in its infancy enabled low-cost solutions (such as online selling) to disrupt high-cost solutions (such as brick-and-mortar stores). Responses from the financial leaders surveyed in the CFO Survey indicate that although many firms are using AI for automating tasks such as document creation, financial reporting, and customer service, current technology and adoption is growing but remains somewhat limited.

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