Artificial intelligence has already demonstrated its ability to amplify performance and reshape competitive dynamics. A prime example lies in the pivotal role played by chess computers as artificial training partners, boosting players' capabilities.

Introduced in the late 1970s, chess computers gained popularity in Western countries but were not available in the former Soviet Union due to microchip shortages. Building on this staggered diffusion, INSEAD’s Henning Piezunka and Fabian Gaessler from Pompeu Fabra University examined how AI influenced chess player performance under conditions where computers were exclusively accessible in the West vs. being available in both regions.

Their research findings are compelling. Access to chess computers significantly boosted human performance, with players becoming substantially better. Furthermore, AI training helped level the playing field, especially benefitting disadvantaged players and those without access to human training partners. In this podcast, Piezunka emphasises the critical factors that determine the effectiveness of AI training.