Perspectives

In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, communities, and daily life, a critical question is emerging: who is getting left behind? While AI promises to drive trillions in economic gains over the next decade, those benefits will not be evenly distributed unless we confront a growing divide: the AI literacy gap. This divide represents a massive missed opportunity for national economic growth and workforce development.

AI literacy includes the ability to critically interpret, interact with, and leverage AI tools across a variety of roles, from marketing and customer service to logistics and design. However, only about 23% of Americans currently demonstrate high AI knowledge. This gap poses a serious risk: if large segments of the population lack the skills to use or understand AI, then businesses and entire regions will fall behind, not just technologically, but economically.

Recent projections underscore the importance of closing this gap. Analysts from Goldman Sachs estimate that AI could increase U.S. GDP growth by 0.5 to 1 percentage point per year over the next decade. That translates to a cumulative $3–5 trillion boost in economic output. But this kind of growth is only possible if AI tools are adopted widely and used effectively across the entire workforce. That, in turn, requires foundational investments in AI literacy, especially among underserved populations.

The good news is that companies have both the resources and the incentive to lead this effort. Forward-looking businesses are already proving that investing in education and workforce development isn’t just good for communities, but a long-term growth strategy. There are powerful ways companies can step up:

• First, businesses can invest in early-stage education partnerships. Collaborating with K–12 schools, community colleges, and nonprofits, companies can fund AI and data science curricula, sponsor bootcamps, and provide employee mentors for AI clubs. Microsoft’s TEALS program, which sends volunteers into high school classrooms to co-teach computer science, is a strong example of what this can look like at scale.
• Second, companies can democratize access to AI tools. By offering free or subsidized licenses for students, jobseekers, and nonprofits, businesses can accelerate hands-on learning. Platforms like Canva and Adobe have pioneered this model by offering their design suites to schools and NGOs around the world, making AI-enhanced creativity more accessible.
• Third, inclusive upskilling pipelines are essential. Companies should collaborate with workforce boards to design training programs for frontline workers, veterans, and career switchers. These don’t need to be technical bootcamps; in fact, the most effective AI literacy initiatives often focus on practical, role-specific skills that show workers how AI can enhance their jobs, not replace them. 
• Finally, companies must advocate for national and state policies that support AI literacy. Public-private partnerships will be essential for scaling broadband access, modernizing education standards, and funding lifelong learning programs. When the private sector aligns with educators and policymakers, systemic change becomes possible.

At Trilligent, we believe that closing the AI literacy gap requires thoughtful planning, strategic communication, and strong, purpose-driven partnerships. We work with companies on building policies to support AI education programs, while ensuring those efforts are visible, accessible, and aligned with broader societal goals. Our team helps you craft messaging that resonates with key stakeholders, from policymakers and educators to employees and community leaders, ensuring your initiatives are framed not just as corporate responsibility but as smart, forward-thinking investments in long-term nationwide growth and equity. We help you connect the dots between innovation goals and the public interest, positioning your organization as a trusted leader in shaping the future of work and education while advancing economic growth.