Emerging Markets See Greater AI Productivity Gains Than Developed Nations, Bernstein Finds

Emerging markets are extracting greater value and productivity from artificial intelligence than their developed counterparts, according to a new Bernstein study that analyzed global AI adoption through March 2026. The findings challenge the common perception that developed nations are exclusively leading the AI race, suggesting a more nuanced global landscape.

Key Findings on AI Adoption

The Bernstein research indicates that as of March 2026, nearly 18% of the global working-age population was using AI, an increase from 15% just nine months earlier. The firm argues that simple per-capita usage metrics are misleading because they don't account for the larger populations and different economic structures in emerging markets, which often have more workers in sectors with lower AI penetration like agriculture.

When the analysis focuses on the "information economy," the usage gap between developed and emerging markets narrows significantly. This suggests that in knowledge-based sectors, emerging economies are keeping pace more closely than broad statistics imply.

Divergence in Use and Productivity

The study highlights a clear divide in how AI is being applied and the benefits realized. Users in emerging markets reported greater efficiency gains, saving an average of 4.6 hours per task compared to 3.8 hours in developed markets.

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Key differences in application and impact include:

• Primary Use Cases: Emerging markets concentrate AI use on software development, writing, editing, and education. In contrast, developed markets lead in applications for sales, finance, and healthcare.
• Automation vs. Enhancement: Over half of AI activity in emerging economies is dedicated to automation. Developed markets, however, primarily use AI to enhance quality.
• Capability Expansion: In emerging markets, 16% of tasks delegated to AI were reportedly beyond the user's own abilities, versus 12% in high-income economies, indicating a more significant leap in capabilities.

Implications for Global Markets

The findings suggest that investors may be underestimating the speed of technological adoption and productivity growth in emerging economies. The significant efficiency gains and capability expansion driven by AI could accelerate economic development and create new investment opportunities in these regions.

Bernstein also noted a behavioral shift among top-skilled workers, with weekend AI activity rising by 8%. This trend, particularly among software engineers using weekends for experimentation rather than routine tasks, points to a deepening culture of innovation that could further fuel AI-driven growth globally.