Policy research outlines data, education, social safety nets, and place-based policies to support workers in AI era
On Tuesday, the University of Notre Dame and Americans Responsible Innovation (ARI) jointly released a new report examining how policymakers can address AI’s impact on the workforce. The report, which follows on recent economic research showing AI’s detrimental impact on job opportunities for young workers, highlights several areas of policy that policymakers should explore, including data and measurement, workforce development and education, improved social safety nets, and place-based and industry-level policies.
Read the full report:
Proactively Developing & Assisting the Workforce in the Age of AI
“We face a major crossroads with the rise of AI and have an opportunity to seize the moment to make the workforce more adaptable and resilient in the face of technological disruption,” said ARI Senior Policy Director John Soroushian. “Policymakers can act now to mitigate the downsides and harness the upsides of AI to support a healthier economy. This report offers a roadmap with ideas for better economic data collection, workforce training, and ways to modernize social safety net programs to meet the moment.”
The Trump Administration has taken first steps on policy on a number of issues highlighted by the report, including incorporating AI in education and workforce development. During an AI policy speech earlier this year, Vice President JD Vance promised that, “for all major AI policy decisions coming from the federal government, the Trump Administration will guarantee American workers a seat at the table.”
Today’s report follows a workshop on AI and labor policy held jointly by Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs and the Institute for Ethics and the Common Good. The research incorporates contributions from a diverse group of stakeholders, including academics, industry professionals, and think tanks.
On Thursday, September 18, Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs will host an in-person event with report authors titled Promoting the Dignity of Work in the Age of AI. To join the upcoming event at the Keough School’s Washington Office register here.
On Thursday, September 11, ARI will host a virtual panel featuring economists Erik Brynjolfsson and Bharat Chandar exploring AI’s emerging impact on the workforce, including a dramatic decline in job opportunities for certain early-career workers. Register here for the virtual panel.
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Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to policy advocacy in the public interest, focused on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). Learn more at ARI.us.