If/Then cover image

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.
25:15

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The experience of 22,000 laid-off workers in Sweden highlights the necessity for targeted recovery policies in the face of technological disruption.
  • AI's integration into the job market presents both opportunities for innovation and challenges regarding workforce displacement that require strategic government intervention.

Deep dives

Revitalizing Historic Lighthouses

The restoration of East Brother Lighthouse highlights the impact of community efforts in preserving heritage sites. Initially abandoned by the Coast Guard, local volunteers transformed it into a thriving guesthouse, ensuring its upkeep and historical significance. The introduction of a guesthouse not only provides revenue for maintenance but also preserves the human element associated with lighthouses, which are now largely automated. This model demonstrates how innovative thinking can revitalize an important cultural landmark while engaging the community.

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