Intelligence Briefing
Leading economist studying AI's impact on productivity, labor markets, and the economy. Director of the Stanford Digital Economy Lab and senior fellow at Stanford HAI and SIEPR. Co-author of bestselling books "The Second Machine Age" and "Machine, Platform, Crowd." Research associate at NBER. Published "Canaries in the Coal Mine? Six Facts About the Recent Employment Effects of AI" (Nov 2025). Leading Stanford's initiative on Transformative AI — systems reshaping productivity, labor, and prosperity.
BA/MA, Applied Mathematics and Decision Sciences — Harvard University
PhD, Managerial Economics — MIT
Operational History
Publication of 'Canaries in the Coal Mine'
Published research on the employment effects of AI.
researchGenerative AI at Work
Published research on the implications of generative AI in the workplace.
researchDirector of Stanford Digital Economy Lab
Became the director of the lab focusing on the digital economy.
careerCo-author of 'Machine, Platform, Crowd'
Published a book discussing the interplay between machines, platforms, and crowds.
researchCo-author of 'The Second Machine Age'
Published a bestselling book on the impact of digital technology on the economy.
researchDirector of the MIT Center for Digital Business
Led the center focusing on the intersection of digital technology and business.
careerProfessor at MIT Sloan School of Management
Joined MIT as a professor specializing in digital business and economics.
careerCo-founder of Workhelix
Co-founded a company focused on digital business solutions.
foundingAGI Position Assessment
Unknown
Focuses on economic policy rather than existential risk. Warns that AI could increase inequality if not managed with deliberate policy choices. Advocates for "augmentation" (AI enhancing human capabilities) over "automation" (replacing humans). Coined "The Turing Trap" to argue against solely pursuing human-level AI.
Focuses on economic policy rather than existential risk. Warns that AI could increase inequality if not managed with deliberate policy choices. Advocates for "augmentation" (AI enhancing human capabilities) over "automation" (replacing humans). Coined "The Turing Trap" to argue against solely pursuing human-level AI.
Intercepted Communications
“AI has the potential to enhance human capabilities, but we must be cautious about its implications for inequality.”
“The Turing Trap highlights the risks of pursuing human-level AI without considering the broader economic impacts.”
“We need deliberate policy choices to ensure that AI benefits everyone, not just a select few.”
“The digital economy is reshaping our understanding of productivity and labor markets.”
“Augmentation, not automation, should be our goal with AI.”
Research Output
Canaries in the Coal Mine? Six Facts About the Recent Employment Effects of AI
2025Generative AI at Work
2023Machine, Platform, Crowd
2018The Second Machine Age
2014Known Associates
Andrew Ng
collaboratorCollaborated on various AI and economics research projects.
View Dossier →Daron Acemoglu
collaboratorCo-authored research on the economic impacts of AI.
View Dossier →Sherry Turkle
colleagueWorked together on the implications of technology on society.
View Dossier →Tim Berners-Lee
colleagueEngaged in discussions on the future of the internet and AI.
View Dossier →Organizational Affiliations
Current
Stanford University
Jerry Yang and Akiko Yamazaki Professor
2021 - Present
Former
MIT
Professor at MIT Sloan School of Management
2008 - 2021
Workhelix
Co-founder
2000 - 2008
Source Material
Dossier last updated: 2026-03-04