But understanding why it matters to economists and living standards reveals a policy path to escaping the downturn. Big productivity gains and rises in living standards are usually unlocked via investment. In the US, artificial intelligence is producing productivity gains to boost profits, while capping inflation and leading to higher wages. Policies to boost productivityOliver argues the policy response should focus on restoring incentives for investment and productivity to boost living standards again. For all the attention paid to interest rates, house prices, and inflation, productivity is still the most important driver of rising wealth.