By Prof. Adriana Hoyos, Professor of AI Economics & Digital Ecosystems, IE University
Society is undergoing a profound transformation fueled by artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models (LLMs), the ubiquity of the internet and the rise of platform-based business ecosystems. These forces are reshaping inclusion and market access, presenting both opportunities and challenges for businesses, governments and individuals. Together, they unlock new pathways for participation while demanding innovative approaches to equity and governance.
At its core, technology has proven to be one of the most powerful tools for poverty alleviation by creating access to knowledge, economic opportunities and essential services at unprecedented scale and speed. AI, in particular, is a game-changer in accelerating this impact. By automating repetitive tasks, personalizing services and enabling real-time decision-making, AI lowers barriers for individuals and small enterprises to participate in the global economy. It is no longer a question of whether AI can contribute to inclusion but rather how society can maximize its potential while mitigating risks.
Large language models, such as OpenAI’s GPT models, Google’s Gemini and others, are at the forefront of this transformation. These models are trained on vast datasets and have democratized advanced computational capabilities. Tasks such as automating customer service, conducting market analysis or generating multilingual content that once required significant human or financial resources are now within reach of small businesses and entrepreneurs.
LLMs’ capacity to work across languages and dialects is particularly significant. For example, businesses in regions with low digital engagement due to linguistic barriers can now communicate effectively with broader markets. This is especially transformative for indigenous communities and minority-language speakers who have historically been excluded from mainstream commerce.
However, the promise of AI-driven inclusion does not come without challenges. Data biases embedded in training datasets can inadvertently exclude underrepresented groups or perpetuate stereotypes. Without robust oversight, these systems risk creating new inequalities as well as amplifying existing ones.
Ensuring that AI is developed responsibly, with diverse and representative datasets, is not just a technical imperative—it isa social and economic one.
The internet’s omnipresence underpins much of the progress in market access and inclusion. With an estimated 5.3 billion users worldwide, connectivity has become a near-universal enabler, providing a bridge between underserved regions and global markets. For instance, rural entrepreneurs in developing nations can now access platforms such as Etsy, Amazon or Alibaba to sell their goods to international audiences, bypassing traditional geographic and economic barriers. The ripple effects are significant: Local artisans gain access to larger markets, increasing their incomes and driving community development.
Access to online education has also transformed economic opportunities for individuals. Platforms such as Khan Academy, edX and Coursera offer free or low-cost courses, empowering people to acquire new skills that enhance their employability and earning potential.
For women in patriarchal societies, digital platforms have opened pathways to financial independence, allowing them to work remotely or start businesses without facing traditional mobility constraints.
These examples illustrate how technology can help break cycles of poverty and marginalization, but they also highlight the importance of equitable internet access.
Despite these advances, the digital divide remains a pressing issue. More than two billion people worldwide still lack accessto the internet, disproportionately affecting rural and low-income communities. Even in regions with internet infrastructure, affordability and digital literacy remain significant barriers. Addressing these gaps is critical to ensuring that the benefits of digital inclusion are distributed equitably.
Governments, tech companies and non-profits must collaborate to expand affordable connectivity, provide digital-literacy training and ensure that marginalized communities are not left behind in the digital revolution.
The rise of platform-based ecosystems has further reshaped economic interactions, enabling new forms of participation and market access. By connecting buyers with sellers, creators with audiences and workers with employers, platforms have created new economic opportunities for millions.
Uber, for example, provides income streams for drivers, while Airbnb allows homeowners to monetize unused spaces.Similarly, freelance platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr enable individuals to offer their skills and services to a global clientele, often earning significantly more than they could in local job markets.
Platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Instagram have also democratized content creation, enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to reach global audiences and monetize their creativity. This is particularly impactful for people in underserved regions who may lack access to traditional media channels. For instance, rural musicians and artisans can use these platforms to share their work with the world, gaining visibility and income opportunities that were previously unimaginable.
However, the concentration of power among a few dominant platforms poses significant risks, including exploitative revenue-sharing models, heightened data-privacy concerns and reduced competition. Policymakers must address these issues to ensure that the platform economy remains a force for inclusion and innovation.
AI amplifies platforms’ potential by providing tools that enhance efficiency, scalability and personalization. E-commerce platforms use AI to recommend products tailored to individual preferences, increasing customer satisfaction and sales.Similarly, AI-powered tools help businesses manage inventory, predict demand and optimize pricing, enabling even small enterprises to compete with larger players. Cloud-based AI services, accessible via the internet, further democratize these capabilities, allowing businesses of all sizes to adopt advanced technologies without significant upfront investments.
Underserved populations are not only beneficiaries of these advancements but also critical contributors to the development of inclusive AI systems. Their linguistic, cultural and contextual diversity enriches the datasets used to train AI models, making these systems more robust and representative. For instance, incorporating indigenous languages and regional dialects into AI tools ensures that these technologies can serve a broader range of users, fostering inclusivity in multilingual and multicultural contexts.
Generative AI (GenAI) has immense potential to empower underserved communities. Entrepreneurs in remote areas can use AI to design marketing materials, create compelling business pitches or translate content into multiple languages, significantly expanding their reach. Similarly, educators in low-resource settings can leverage AI to develop customized learning materials, bridging gaps in infrastructure and improving educational outcomes. By reducing the barriers to entry for creative and economic endeavors, AI democratizes opportunities and enables people to achieve their potential regardless of their starting point.
Realizing this potential, however, requires addressing systemic barriers. Limited digital literacy, inadequate infrastructure and biases in AI systems must be tackled through intentional efforts. Investments in affordable internet access, training programs and community-centered AI development are essential to empowering underserved populations. Partnerships between tech companies, governments and non-profits can amplify the impacts of these initiatives, ensuring they are both inclusive and sustainable.
Despite its transformative potential, the digital economy faces significant hurdles that could undermine its promise of equitable inclusion. AI models trained on biased data risk reinforcing existing inequalities, while the dominance of a few tech giants limits opportunities for smaller players. Inadequate infrastructure in developing regions further restricts access to the internet and AI tools. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-stakeholder approach.
Governments and businesses must prioritize investments in infrastructure, digital literacy and ethical AI design, while regulatory frameworks should promote competition and protect against monopolistic practices.
The convergence of AI, internet ubiquity and platform ecosystems is reshaping the socio-economic landscape. By lowering barriers to entry, expanding access to markets and enabling diverse forms of participation, these technologies hold unparalleled promise for inclusion. For businesses, the imperative is clear: adopt these tools responsibly to harness their potential while contributing to a more equitable digital future. Public administrations must play active roles in crafting policies that foster innovation and mitigate unintended consequences.
Ultimately, the goal is not merely to build a more connected economy but also to ensure that this connection translates into shared prosperity for all. By leveraging technology as a force for inclusion, society can unlock unprecedented opportunities to alleviate poverty and empower marginalized communities, creating a future in which everyone has the chance to thrive.