If/Then Adapting To Massive Technological Change
Apr 2, 2025
Susan Athey, a professor of Economics of Technology at Stanford, dives into the future of work amidst rampant technological change. She explores insights from a study on 22,000 Swedish workers, revealing who bounces back after layoffs. Athey discusses how small design tweaks can lead to significant societal shifts. The conversation also touches on AI's transformative potential in hiring and healthcare, emphasizing the importance of supportive policies to ensure technology benefits all workers and minimizes social disparities.
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East Brother Lighthouse Adapts
- The East Brother Lighthouse, the oldest in San Francisco Bay, faced obsolescence due to automation.
- Volunteers created a guesthouse business, preserving its history and generating revenue.
Affordability over Availability
- Job availability isn't the primary issue; it's whether people can afford services.
- Focus should be on if recipients of services can pay, not job numbers, says Susan Athey.
Layoff Impact in Sweden
- A Swedish study revealed that layoffs severely impact older, less educated workers.
- These workers' earnings decreased significantly, even after ten years, highlighting the need for targeted support.