Google Increases AI Investment to $85B, Urges Workforce Productivity Boost

Google is accelerating its focus on artificial intelligence (AI) with a $1 billion investment in U.S. higher education to advance AI education and responsible use, partnering with over 100 universities. Internally, CEO Sundar Pichai has urged employees to integrate AI deeply across workflows to boost productivity amid a competitive and economically uncertain tech landscape, emphasizing accomplishing more with fewer resources despite increased capital expenditure projected to reach $85 billion in 2025. Google is embedding AI tools such as the coding assistant Cider into daily operations and expanding training programs to make its workforce more AI-literate. This push aligns with Alphabet's strategic priorities on AI, climate technologies, and next-generation search, with an emphasis on faster execution and operational efficiency. Meanwhile, former Google executive Mo Gawdat warned of severe societal disruption from AI over the next 15 years, predicting widespread white-collar job losses and economic inequality starting as early as 2027, highlighting the urgent need for government oversight to mitigate social unrest and inequality. These developments illustrate both the promise of AI-driven innovation and the challenges posed by its rapid adoption.