CEO Update: AI’s moment of acceleration

Over recent weeks there has been considerable discussion about where we are on the trajectory of AI evolution and adoption and the impacts on jobs, our economy and society more broadly. While AI has been emerging over decades, the recent acceleration in agentic AI has some wondering whether we are at an ‘ignition’ point for productivity and jobs that is similar to the one that took some 100 years to emerge following the discovery of electricity - or whether the impacts this time will be far more significant.

The narrative on AI does appear to have shifted of late, and these issues were a key area of exploration in CEDA’s recent AI Communities of Practice discussions. As we look for a framework to better understand and respond to opportunities and challenges to enable both a strong economy and social compact, there are three key areas of focus at CEDA.

First, we will be looking to understand the emerging economic and social data before us at a more disaggregated level, to identify and understand changing trends, surprises and inconsistencies, and engaging members directly about what they are seeing and planning.

Second, we will explore a range of ‘what if’ scenarios to surface the most significant risks and opportunities ahead. AI will touch every sector. By drawing on our cross-sectoral membership, we aim to generate practical, shared insight. More information will be forthcoming on work in coming weeks. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or the team if you would like to contribute and help us shape this work.

Third, through our AI Community of Best Practice members come together to build their capabilities. We are seeing their focus moving beyond hype to measurable ROI, workforce transformation and their broader responsibilities in supply chains and the community, to increase awareness in responsible AI adoption. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to join the conversation by reaching out to bec.mcintosh@ceda.com.au who leads our communities.

Members can also have their say on Australia’s AI performance and global competitiveness by participating in this year’s World Competitiveness Yearbook Executive Opinion Survey. As the Australian partner, CEDA contributes to benchmarking more than 330 indicators of economic performance. For the first time, the survey includes dedicated questions on AI adoption, regulation and strategy.

Our economists recently delivered Navigating 2026 events to members across the country. Thank you to our panellists and members who contributed to robust discussions. The themes shaping 2026 reinforce the urgency of our Progress 2050 agenda – advancing the long-term reforms needed to lift productivity, strengthen resilience and secure sustainable growth. Our wrap up provides an overview of the conversations and covers our take on the economic outlook for the year ahead.

Productivity was central to these discussions. We have lodged a submission to the Senate Select Committee on Productivity in Australia, highlighting reform priorities across regulation and competition policy, skills and labour mobility, and tax.

The CEDA team is pleased to be in Hobart this week, delivering events on Data Centres and Digital Infrastructure, the Housing Challenge and the Economic and Policy Outlook. We look forward to engaging with many of our Tasmanian members.

Join us in Canberra as Chief Minister Andrew Barr delivers the annual State of the Territory address on March 12 at the ACT State of the Territory.

We are pleased to welcome Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King MP back to the CEDA stage in Melbourne on March 18, as she delivers a wide-ranging portfolio update and answers your questions.

At our Scam Economy event in Sydney on March 26, we explore how to manage the economic risks of AI-generated fraud with insights from leading communications, cyber, tech, finance and policy experts.