HBS Managing the Future of Work
Ed Glaeser on Cities, Work, and Why America Struggles to Build
Feb 12, 2025
Ed Glaeser, a leading urban economist from Harvard, tackles the pressing challenges facing cities today. He analyzes how COVID-19 reshaped urban resilience and health disparities, while discussing the transformative potential of AI for future work dynamics, including the risk of losing mentorship in skilled professions. Glaeser also delves into urban planning complexities, such as congestion pricing in New York City, and emphasizes the need for innovative housing solutions and workforce development strategies that adapt to our post-pandemic reality.
34:36
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Agglomeration economies in cities enhance innovation and productivity by clustering diverse businesses and people, but pose challenges like increased disease spread.
- The pandemic underscored the importance of educational resources in urban health outcomes, influencing economic resilience and the future of remote work dynamics.
Deep dives
The Role of Cities in Innovation and Agglomeration
Cities foster innovation through agglomeration economies, which enhance productivity by clustering people and businesses together. Historical observations indicate that close interactions among varied economic activities lead to increased learning opportunities, benefiting all involved. However, cities also face challenges such as density-related downsides, including the spread of diseases and crime. Thus, understanding the balance between the positive effects of proximity and the negatives is crucial for city planning and management.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
