Leading researchers, economists warn of AI’s effect on the global economy

Leading researchers, economists warn of AI’s effect on the global economy

Leading researchers, economists warn of AI’s effect on the global economy

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/international-business/article-researchers-and-economists-warn-of-ais-effect-on-the-global-economy/

Publish Date: 2026-07-13 09:16:00

Source Domain: www.theglobeandmail.com

  • Construction on AI Data Centre in California: The article begins by highlighting ongoing construction activities for a new data centre in Vernon, California, emphasizing the importance of data centres in the AI buildout.

  • Call for Urgent Policy Creation on AI: Over 200 researchers and economists, including 15 Nobel laureates, have jointly signed a statement urging governments and technology leaders to urgently create policies to manage the economic impacts of artificial intelligence.

  • Potential for Rapid Economic Transformation: The statement warns that AI could drive a significant economic transformation faster than the Industrial Revolution, stressing the need for proactive measures to avoid large-scale issues.

  • Risk of Job Displacement: There are concerns regarding potential large-scale job displacement due to AI’s rapid advancement, stressing the urgent need for policies that can navigate these risks.

  • Call for Deep Research and Policy Development: The signatories call for deeper research on AI’s economic impacts and the development of the necessary institutions to ensure AI benefits society while mitigating risks.

  • Leading Economists Involved: Notable individuals involved in this initiative include Anton Korinek, Erik Brynjolfsson, Ajay Agrawal, Tom Cunningham, Sarah Friar, Jeff Dean, and Jack Clark, among others.

  • Need for Proactive Strategy: The urgency to act now before uncertainty leads to delayed action in policy development is a key message in their statement, emphasizing that the AI transformation may only give us a few years to adapt.

  • Potential Comparison to Industrial Revolution: The statement highlights that AI might offer fewer years to adapt compared to the decades given for previous technological breakthroughs like steam, electricity, and computers.