Shaping the Future of Work: Generative AI, Inequality, and Opportunity

Overview

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, generative AI is reshaping the foundations of work, education, and opportunity. While some predict a future of widespread job loss and inequality, others envision unprecedented productivity and economic mobility. The truth lies in the details: how we design, deploy, and govern these tools will determine whether AI becomes a force for inclusion or division.

Shaping the Future of Work: Generative AI, Inequality, and Opportunity is a research brief from the Social Finance Institute that compiles and aggregates some of the latest evidence from economics and public policy around AI’s role in workforce development. It breaks down the literature into three distinct buckets: (1) AI in the Workplace, (2) AI in Education and Workforce Training, and (3) AI in Career Navigation and Job Search.

Research in this space is fast-moving and ever changing. In truth, by the time this brief posts it may already be outdated. As such, we have created a dynamic Library of Resources that can be easily updated as new research is released. If you have a paper to share, please email us at Institute@SocialFinance.org.

Download the Brief

Library of Resources

This interactive chart is designed as a practical resource for practitioners and thought leaders interested in the literature promoting a better understanding of how generative AI is reshaping the labor market—from workplace tasks to education and training, to job search and matching. The Social Finance Institute will frequently update this chart with the latest research, so you can stay informed as the landscape evolves. Please send any recommendations for updates to Institute@SocialFinance.org.