The Great Debate Over Technology and Prosperity

Have the tremendous computing advances of the last half-century become empowering and democratizing tools or something more malign?

There is little disagreement that progress depends on the choices we make about technology, which many argue serves as an engine for productivity growth and improved living standards for all. But critics argue today’s digital technologies, especially artificial intelligence, undermine workers and democracy through excessive automation, massive data collection, and intrusive surveillance. They warn new ways of organizing production and communication serve the narrow interests of a few hubristic tech leaders instead of providing the foundation for widespread prosperity.

ITIF hosted a spirited debate between ITIF President Rob Atkinson and economist Simon Johnson, author of the new book Power and Progress: Our Thousand-Year Struggle Over Technology and Prosperity.