Why AI Is Accelerating the Shift From Scale to Stability in Business

By Karalee Greer | WBN News – Vancouver |February 5, 2026
Subscription to WBN and being a Contributor is Free.

For much of the past decade, business success was often measured by scale—larger teams, more locations, and faster expansion. In 2026, that definition is changing, and artificial intelligence is a major reason why.

Rather than using AI to pursue rapid growth, many businesses are deploying it to stabilize operations. Analysis published by McKinsey & Company notes that the most immediate value of generative AI is coming from productivity gains, operational consistency, and decision support, rather than headline-grabbing expansion.

This shift is especially visible in high-cost markets like Vancouver. With labour, rent, and overhead remaining elevated, businesses are under pressure to do more without adding complexity. An OECD discussion paper on AI adoption by small and medium-sized enterprises notes that AI adoption has the potential to enhance productivity, and that an increasing body of evidence suggests a positive association between AI use and firm productivity—while also emphasizing that realizing benefits typically requires complementary investments in skills and capability.

Globally, the pattern is similar. Harvard Business Review has observed that AI is changing how companies get work done, with many organizations using it to redesign workflows and reduce operational friction—supporting a more deliberate approach to growth.

This does not signal a retreat from ambition. Instead, it reflects a recalibration shaped by volatility. Stability, optionality, and control are becoming priorities, particularly for businesses that want to remain profitable without overextending.

For business owners navigating 2026, the takeaway is clear: growth no longer has to mean bigger. With thoughtful use of AI, it can mean stronger, steadier, and more sustainable.

By Karalee Greer | WBN News – Vancouver
Subscription to WBN and being a Contributor is Free.

Tags: #WBN News Vancouver #Vancouver Business #Local Business Growth#Business Strategy #Artificial Intelligence #Karalee Greer #Global Business