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EPISODE · May 14, 2026 · 47 MIN

David Autor - How Technology Affects Work

from The Economics of Work with Ben Zweig

In this episode, Ben sits down with David Autor, professor of economics at MIT, to explore how technology transforms work at every level from individual tasks to entire industries.Topics covered:Why transformative technologies require organizational reinvention, not just adoptionThe "expertise framework": how the same automation can be a force multiplier for one worker and a threat to another, depending on where their specialized skills sitOccupational licensing as a double-edged sword: consumer protection vs. a barrier to adaptationWhether AI will complement high-skilled workers, substitute for low-skilled ones, or eventually do both, and what the evidence actually shows so farThe skills that will remain valuableWhy we are dangerously under-invested in helping workers transitionDavid Autor is Ford Professor of Economics at MIT and co-director of the MIT Work of the Future task force. He is among the most cited economists in the world on the topics of labor markets, inequality, and technological change.Follow us on LinkedInFollow Ben on LinkedInSign up for our NewsletterVisit our website for more informationGet in touch with us at [email protected]

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