The wrong kind of AI? Artificial intelligence and the future of labour demand
Author(s)
Acemoglu, K. Daron; Restrepo, Pascual
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<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
<jats:p>Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to influence every aspect of our lives, not least the way production is organised. AI, as a technology platform, can automate tasks previously performed by labour or create new tasks and activities in which humans can be productively employed. Recent technological change has been biased towards automation, with insufficient focus on creating new tasks where labour can be productively employed. The consequences of this choice have been stagnating labour demand, declining labour share in national income, rising inequality and lowering productivity growth. The current tendency is to develop AI in the direction of further automation, but this might mean missing out on the promise of the ‘right’ kind of AI, with better economic and social outcomes.</jats:p>
Date issued
2020Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Economics; Sloan School of ManagementJournal
Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)