Will artificial intelligence improve workers’ lives, or hand them the equivalent of a pink slip? It’s one of the most pressing questions facing the U.S. economy today. Companies are pouring money into data centers, rolling out AI tools in their offices and, in some cases, rethinking how many workers they need. Polling finds Americans are more anxious than excited about these developments. At the same time, history has shown that technology can unlock productivity and innovation, fueling wealth and employment. For answers, we turned to 16 economists—including an economics Nobel winner, academics deeply engaged on questions about AI and former top government advisers—about what they think AI will mean for the economy, workers and workplaces.

Full opinion : Sixteen economists on what AI will mean for the US economy, workers, and workplaces: AI will boost productivity in the near term, but only two expect more jobs.