Toward AI Capitalism: An Analysis of Capitalist Forms and Future Prospects

This study develops an analytical framework for capitalist forms based on industrial structure. By transforming the abstract concept of “capitalist forms” into industrial characteristics with clear boundaries and quantifiable indicators, the research enhances its operational applicability. A quantitative analysis model is constructed, incorporating four key dimensions: dominant industry, business model, technological innovation, and per capita efficiency. Using the top 100 companies by market capitalization in the S&P 500 Index from 2007 to 2024 as the sample, the model provides an objective basis for the identification and analysis of capitalist forms. Through empirical analysis, the study identifies 14 existing capitalist forms and demonstrates significant differences among them. Based on data trends derived from the model, the study further forecasts and analyzes the evolutionary trajectory and core characteristics of AI capitalism. The findings not only enrich the theoretical understanding of capitalist forms but also provide a foundational framework for understanding and responding to the rise of AI capitalism. Furthermore, the research lays the groundwork for future exploration into income distribution mechanisms and global cooperation frameworks under the context of AI capitalism.