In this feature interview, Professor Daron Acemoglu discusses his latest book, Power and Progress, and explores parallels between historical technological revolutions and today’s AI boom. He highlights how past innovations, like the windmill and cotton gin, have alternately driven prosperity and exacerbated inequality, suggesting AI could follow similar patterns. The conversation touches on the risks AI poses to workers, emphasizing that its impact depends on human choices rather than technological determinism. He raises questions about the market's ability to prevent AI from worsening inequality, pointing out the significant influence of big tech companies, and advocating for a course correction to harness AI's potential positively. Despite some optimism from labor unions and open discussions about regulation, he foresees potential disappointments due to unrealistic expectations and rapid implementation of AI. The advice is clear: business leaders must view workers as valuable resources rather than costs.

Professor Acemoglu is an Institute Professor of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His latest book, Power and Progress, explores the impacts of innovation and industrialization on people and societies*.* He joined the Inequality in the Digital Age conference organized by the Race, Gender & Equity initiative in March this year

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