Two children exploring the Future of Work

Future of Work

The nature of work is changing rapidly

due to advances in artificial intelligence, automation, and digital platforms. At The Block Center, our Future of Work focus area explores how these emerging technologies impact workers, industries, and economic opportunities. We aim to identify challenges and develop solutions that ensure technological progress benefits everyone.

Our research focuses on several key areas. We examine how automation and AI reshape jobs and industries, analyze workforce readiness for technological change, and develop policy recommendations that support accessible economic growth. We also study workforce reskilling, helping workers transition into new roles as industries evolve. 

Leveraging Carnegie Mellon’s strengths in data science, public policy, and engineering, we collaborate with leading researchers, policymakers, and industry experts to generate insights that drive meaningful change. Our funded projects investigate critical questions about job displacement, skills training, and the future of labor markets, providing data-driven recommendations for decision-makers.

Through this work, we aim to shape a future where technology empowers workers, businesses, and communities alike.

Projects

The Block Center supports various projects aimed at understanding and mitigating the impacts of technological change on the workforce. These projects include studies on the effects of AI on job displacement, the development of training programs for emerging industries, and the creation of policy frameworks to support workers in transition.​

The Build Back Better press event in 2022

Build Back Better
Engineering classroom constructing wood projects on September 15 2020, Return to campus CEE

Covid Response and Recovery
A food truck worker at Tartan Express at CMU

Unlocking Gig Economy Insights

News Stories

Wage Insurance —A Promising Policy for Displaced Workers

Future of Work faculty, Brian Kovak, recently released a paper with UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on wage insurance for dispalced workers. This innovative social policy—wage insurance—shows significant promise in mitigating the adverse effects of job loss, in ways traditional unemployment insurance cannot. 

Read the Press Release Here

Block Build Back Better grant awardee, Ashley Orr featured in Next Pittsburgh f…

Ashley Orr, Heinz College PhD candidate and Block Build Back Better grant awardee was featured in Next Pittsburgh for her "growth mindset training," in which individuals learn to adapt their skills to new tasks and overcome fears and challenges to become productive in new careers. 

Read the full article here

Work of Future of Work faculty leader, Lee Branstetter, cited in Economist - "A…

In the cited paper, Branstetter with CMU colleague Dean Alderucci had found that firms in the United States that used even basic AI had 25% faster emloyment growth and 40% faster revenue growth than their competitors that did not use AI.

 

Read the Full Article Here

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