Speaking in Davos, Huang argued that investments in AI strengthen employment by reorienting work from tasks to purpose, particularly in healthcare, manufacturing and digital services.
AI evolves into a fundamental economic system rather than a standalone technology, according to NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, who described AI as a five-layer infrastructure spanning energy, hardware, data centers, models and applications.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Huang said building and operating each layer is triggering what he calls the largest infrastructure expansion in human history, with job creation ranging from power generation and construction to cloud operations and software development.
Investment models suggest structural change rather than a speculative cycle. Venture capital funding in 2025 has reached record levels, largely flowing to AI-native companies in healthcare, manufacturing, robotics and financial services.
Huang emphasized that the application layer will provide the most significant economic return as AI moves from experimentation to basic operational use across industries.
Concerns about job losses were considered misplaced. AI automates tasks rather than replacing professional judgment, allowing workers to focus on higher value activities.
In healthcare, productivity gains from AI-assisted diagnostics and documentation are already increasing demand for radiologists and nurses rather than reducing workforces, as improved efficiency allows facilities to treat more patients.
Huang positioned AI as essential national infrastructure, urging governments to develop national capabilities aligned with local language, culture and industrial assets.
He described mastering AI as an essential skill, comparable to leadership or management, while arguing that accessible AI tools could narrow global technology divides rather than widen them.
Would you like to learn more about AI, technology and digital diplomacy? If applicable, ask our chatbot Diplo!
