MIT economist Daron Acemoglu and AI investment expert Jim Covello discuss the skepticism around AI investment. They explore the challenges of scaling AI models, the potential of AI superintelligence, and the impact on job creation. The podcast also covers the need for realistic expectations in AI investments and the importance of tangible applications for investors.
Generative AI could boost US productivity by 9% and GDP growth by 6.1% over the next decade, but concerns exist about its cost-effectiveness and lack of 'killer applications'.
AI investments totaling $1 trillion may face challenges regarding wasteful spending and the uncertainty of achieving significant technological breakthroughs.
Deep dives
The Potential Impact of Generative AI on Work Tasks and US Productivity
Generative AI is projected to potentially automate a quarter of work tasks, boosting US productivity by 9% and US GDP growth by 6.1% over the next decade. Despite the optimism surrounding this technology, concerns exist about its cost-effectiveness and lack of identified 'killer applications'. Skeptics, like Darren Asamoglu from MIT, estimate a more conservative impact on work tasks, productivity, and GDP, emphasizing the complexity of tasks impacted by AI.
Challenges and Uncertainties in the Development of Generative AI Technology
Development and implementation of generative AI pose challenges due to high costs and uncertainties about its real-world applications and cost-effectiveness. Questions arise on the scalability and efficiency of AI technologies in addressing complex tasks beyond purely mental activities. Considerations about data quality, technology limitations, and cognitive processes suggest cautious optimism about the immediate transformative effects of AI.
Implications for Investors and the Future of AI Technology
Investments exceeding a trillion dollars in AI technology raise concerns about potential wasteful spending and the lack of cost-effectiveness. The debate over AI's transformative potential and cognitive capabilities compared to human intelligence underlines uncertainties in achieving significant technological breakthroughs. The narrative around AI's efficiency, infrastructure investments, and the emergence of groundbreaking applications affect investor confidence and industry adoption rates, prompting reflections on future profitability and market dynamics.
Tech giants and beyond are set to spend an estimated $1 trillion on AI capex in coming years. Will this investment pay off? And if it doesn’t, what does that mean for businesses and investors? MIT’s Daron Acemoglu and Goldman Sachs Research’s Jim Covello explain why reality may not match the hype on the latest episode of Goldman Exchanges, which explores the latest Top of Mind report, Gen AI: too much spend, too little benefit?
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