The Wrong Kind of Ai? Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Labor Demand

15 Pages Posted: 26 Mar 2019 Last revised: 2 Sep 2024

See all articles by Daron Acemoglu

Daron Acemoglu

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Department of Economics; Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR); National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Pascual Restrepo

Boston University - Department of Economics

Multiple version iconThere are 3 versions of this paper

Date Written: March 2019

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence is set to influence every aspect of our lives, not least the way production is organized. AI, as a technology platform, can automate tasks previously performed by labor 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 labor can be productively employed. The consequences of this choice have been stagnating labor demand, declining labor share in national income, rising inequality and lower 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.

Suggested Citation

Acemoglu, Daron and Restrepo, Pascual, The Wrong Kind of Ai? Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Labor Demand (March 2019). NBER Working Paper No. w25682, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3359482

Daron Acemoglu (Contact Author)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Department of Economics ( email )

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Pascual Restrepo

Boston University - Department of Economics ( email )

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