Economist Impact and Infosys flag how Ikea and LVMH are driving AI technology adoption

Enterprise AI in action, a new ten-part article and soundbyte series from Economist Impact and supported by Infosys, explores how leading firms and thinkers are turning AI ambitions into tangible outcomes. 

The first three articles, now available, feature insights from Stanford University's Erik Brynjolfsson and leaders from LVMH and Ikea, addressing how business leaders should adapt skills, processes, and incentives for the AI era.

Ikea established clear boundaries - no AI in hiring or surveillance - then prioritised AI projects through its “democratic design” principles of sustainability, quality and affordability.

AI literacy receives the same priority as mandatory health and safety training, with the firm upskilling 70,000 employees while empowering local teams to adapt central tools to their needs. The results are tangible: from forecasting systems that keep their famous meatballs in stock to room planners that save hours of manual work. With clear priorities and empowered staff, Ikea shows how meaningful AI adoption can self-assemble.

LVMH, meanwhile, uses AI to extend its fundamental strengths - craftsmanship, attentive service, and years of client data - without losing the atelier's signature touch.

In LVMH stores, AI reduces routine work, giving advisers more time with clients, while in creative studios, algorithms inform the creative process, leaving final design choices to human designers. The lesson here is practical: use AI to sharpen your edge, not reinvent it.

“Everyone knows that artificial intelligence will reshape their business. The task is to steer between hype and despair, and to turn the technology into real gains,” says Eddie Millev, Lead Researcher for Enterprise AI in Action at Economist Impact.

“Our research finds that the surest way for firms to prepare for AI is to get the basics right: empower workers, redesign processes and measure what matters.”

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH proudly presents the first edition of its AI in Retail Awards, sponsored by 3D Cloud and EdTech Innovation Hub.

This is now open for entries. Deadline for submissions is Friday, 5th December. It’s free to enter and you can do so across multiple categories.

Check out categories and entry forms here.

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 29th January. This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.