The Artificial Intelligence impact on energy infrastructure, economic activity and workforce

The economic landscape is increasingly influenced by Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration as a general-purpose technology (GPT). This classification places it in the same category as the steam engine, electricity and the internet as the potential impact it can have on systems of production and exchange. This tends to become a structural shift in the core functioning of modern economies. Even though the initial shock has been felt in 2023-2024, the current period aims to be one of experimentation and structural integration where the effects on productivity, labor market and macroeconomic stability are starting to manifest at national and company level. AI crossed the isolated use cases era and is going to become a center pillar of enterprise strategy. Many companies report using AI in at least one business function. The depth of the integration differs from sector to sector. Information technology, marketing and finance are the most advanced in implementing these tools, while other sectors follow a more gradual path. The future is unclear regarding the AI impact, but the policy makers will have to find a delicate balance between supporting the capital intensive build out of AI infrastructure and ensure that the benefits are shared through reskilling the workforce and inclusive trade policies. The danger of wealth concentration and speculative instability has increased and must be mitigated for AI to fulfill its potential

Acknowledgement: This research was supported by grant from the Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiesti, Romania, project number GO-GICS-14819/26.06.2026, within the Internal Grants for Scientific Research.