Harnessing Technology for Inclusive Prosperity

Transformative new technologies are reshaping economies and societies. But as they create new opportunities, they also pose new challenges, not least of which is rising inequality. Increased disparities and related anxieties are stoking societal discontent and political ferment. Harnessing technological transformation in ways that foster its benefits, contain risks, and build inclusive prosperity is a major public policy challenge of our time and one that motivates this book.

In what ways are the new technologies altering markets, business models, work, and, in turn, economic growth and income distribution? How are they affecting inequality within advanced and emerging economies and the prospects for economic convergence between them? What are the implications for public policy? What new thinking and adaptations are needed to realign institutions and policies, at national and global levels, with the new dynamics of the digital era?

This book addresses these questions. It seeks to promote ideas and actions to manage digital transformation and the latest advances in artificial intelligence with foresight and purpose to shape a more prosperous and inclusive future.

Reviews

This book brings together an all-star cast to contribute compelling and persuasive analysis of what policymakers can do to harness technology. It is a refreshingly substantive and practical approach to a topic that is often treated with a misguided fatalism—we can make a better future but it will not happen automatically.

Jason Furman, former chair of the Council of Economic Advisers and Professor, Harvard University

A fascinating cross-section of leading views on the interaction between technology and economic development. Anyone interested in the future of work around the world should read this volume. All the research and policy questions are here.

Simon Johnson, professor, MIT Sloan School of Management, and faculty co-director of the MIT Shaping the Future of Work Initiative

These very important essays address the fundamental challenge of redesigning economic policy in the digital era. The breathtaking advances in AI and digital technologies offer new opportunities for rapid growth but also pose major risks of job displacement, widening inequalities, and the end of traditional pathways of development. Policymakers, scholars, and students everywhere will be turning to this volume for cutting-edge ideas and new policy approaches.

Jeffrey Sachs, professor, Columbia University, and president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network

New Technologies, Productivity, and Inequality in Latin America
Santiago Levy
Technology, Jobs, and the Future of Work in India
Radhicka Kapoor and P.P. Krishnapriya
Addressing Digital Gaps in Africa to Boost Inclusive Growth and Economic Convergence
Haroon Bhorat, Landry Signé, Zaakhir Asmal, Jabulile Monnakgotla, and Christopher Rooney

Part III | Implications for Global Inequality

Global Income and Wealth Inequality
Lucas Chancel
Actual Versus Perceived Trends in Inequality: Why They Both Matter
Carol Graham and Janina Curtis Bröker

Authors

Harnessing Technology for Inclusive Prosperity

Purchase

Harnessing Technology for Inclusive Prosperity

Growth, Work, and Inequality in the Digital Era

Contents

Part I | Technology, Globalization, and the Changing World of Work and Business

Part II | Regional Perspectives on the New Dynamics

Part III | Implications for Global Inequality

Harnessing Technology for Inclusive Prosperity

Purchase

Purchase

Subscribe to the Brookings Brief

Harnessing Technology for Inclusive Prosperity

Growth, Work, and Inequality in the Digital Era

Purchase

Contents

Part I | Technology, Globalization, and the Changing World of Work and Business

Part II | Regional Perspectives on the New Dynamics

Part III | Implications for Global Inequality