Diffusing New Technology Without Dissipating Rents
James Bessen and Alessandro Nuvolari
A paper analyzing the diffusion of three technologies in the 19th century with policy implications for today.
Tag: James Bessen
Amazon and Walmart add more robots, but insist they won’t terminate jobs
James Bessen quoted in Fast Company about the effects of automation on employment.
The Business of Artificial Intelligence Startups
James Bessen, Stephen Michael Impink, Lydia Reichensperger, and Robert Seamans
A new survey of AI startups offers insight into AI’s impact on jobs and the economy, including data suggesting a competitive market for startups and the use of AI to enhance rather than replace human labor.
How Software Is Helping Big Companies Dominate
James Bessen and Walter Frick in Harvard Business Review
Manufacturers say their worker shortage is getting worse. Here’s why.
James Bessen quoted in PBS NewsHour, Nov. 16, 2018.
Challenges to Antitrust in a Changing Economy
James Bessen spoke on rising monopoly power, November 9, 2018, at Harvard Law School.
La Ciudad de las Ideas debate on Artificial Intelligence
James Bessen debates on AI. Read more ->
Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century
James Bessen testified before the FTC, October 24, 2018.
Why Do the Biggest Companies Keep Getting Bigger?
James Bessen in the Wall Street Journal
The Policy Challenge of Artificial Intelligence
James Bessen
Across all major sectors of the economy, proprietary information technology is increasing the market dominance of large firms, which is evidence of a slowdown in the spread of technical knowledge throughout the economy. The result is rising industry concentration, slower productivity growth and growing wage inequality. The key challenge to IP and antitrust policy will be counter this trend yet maintain innovation incentives.