The race for intelligence

As AI has moved from the margins to the mainstream, the drive to embed intelligence everywhere has accelerated.

• Across the economy, AI is framed as an accelerant. Platforms like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Notion promise faster, smarter work through AI-powered tools. Millions now rely on chatbots to draft essays, analyze data, and deploy agents that compress time, reduce friction, and deliver instant answers.
• AI has the potential to drive research and scientific discovery. Applied to science and research, it can accelerate progress and lead to new discoveries.
• AI could transform education and care. “Intelligent” systems are heralded as a way to personalize learning, expand access to mental health support, and address isolation and loneliness at scale.