Google is staffing up to study AI's economic impact
After launching its AI & Economy ATLAS, Google is adding outside advisors, visiting fellows, and research directors to make the work more rigorous.
What happened
Google says it is expanding its AI & Economy Research Program with academic advisors, visiting fellows, and dedicated program leaders. The company named Nobel Laureate Philippe Aghion as an academic advisor and University of Toronto professor Ajay Agrawal as a visiting fellow.
Google also said Anu Madgavkar, formerly of the McKinsey Global Institute, and Wharton professor Daniel Rock will serve as directors of the program alongside existing Google leaders.
Why it matters
The announcement is not a product launch. It is Google trying to make its AI adoption research more credible as companies and policymakers argue about jobs, productivity, and where generative AI creates real economic value.
The program's stated focus areas include the future of work, productivity and growth, global technology diffusion, and AI's role in scientific discovery.
Quick takeaways
- Google is broadening the team behind its AI & Economy research program.
- The move follows the launch of Google's AI & Economy ATLAS v1.0 and open-access site.
- The research agenda centers on work, productivity, global diffusion, and science.