AI, robotics, machine learning, and advanced manufacturing have profoundly impacted our society, economy, and daily lives. Yet automation is displacing workers across many industries. Algorithms are driving decision-making in powerful, unseen (and unforeseen) ways. New platforms and networks are reshaping how we view and engage with our world.
The Block Center seeks out results-oriented projects that align with our three focus areas: how emerging technologies will alter the future of work, how AI and analytics can be harnessed responsibly for social good, and how innovation in these spaces can be more inclusive and improve quality of life for all. We then support work that shows the greatest promise for delivering actionable policy impact.
Featured
Multi-University Research Collaboration on Labor Implications of AI
The Block Center announced a $1.6 million dollar research initiative to study how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the modern workforce. With generous support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, this two-year project is bringing together researchers from leading universities and institutions to produce evidence-based insights on AI’s impact on workers and labor markets.
Transition 2024-2025: Harnessing Technology for Future Prosperity
In a time of rapid technological advancement, the future of prosperity depends on how we harness the transformative power of innovation. The Block Center for Technology and Society is proud to present our comprehensive transition memorandum, "Transition 2024-2025: Harnessing Technology for Future Prosperity," designed to guide policymakers, industry leaders, and society toward a thriving, equitable future.
On January 14, 2025, Erik Brynjolfsson of the Stanford Digital Economy Lab and Tom Mitchell of The Block Center for Technology and Society discussed the “National Academies Report on Artificial Intelligence & The Future of Work”.
AI: Who Wins and Who Loses?
Funded by the NSF Directorate of Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIPs), the workshops aim was to address the economy-wide R&D efforts required to foster innovation and economic growth. The workshop took place on March 6-7, 2025, at Carnegie Mellon University's Block Center for Technology and Society. Watch the full conference recording on our event page.
Build Back Better 2024-2025 Subaward Announcement
Carnegie Mellon University’s (CMU) Block Center for Technology and Society has announced the recipients of the 2024-2025 Build Back Better subawards. Nine projects across Southwestern Pennsylvania have been awarded funding to drive innovation and workforce development in robotics, advanced manufacturing, and technology equity.
AIMSEC Partnership
The Block Center for Technology and Society is to be a key partner to the newly announced cooperative research center between CMU and the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The CMU/NIST AI Measurement Science & Engineering Cooperative Research Center (AIMSEC) will be a collaborative research hub bringing together experts in measurement science and evaluation with multidisciplinary AI researchers
Driving Positive Change through Community-Engaged Research
Recently, we had the privilege of catching up with Ashley Orr and Jacob Cribbs to discuss their latest paper that they presented at the Labor Employment Relations Association Conference in New York.
Events
Previous:
Workforce Resilience in a Changing Technological Landscape
Friday, 25 October 2024
Register for our session open to the public here.
CONNECT WITH US. GET SUPPORT.
FUEL THE GOOD.
Are you part of a CMU research team, corporate partner, legislator, or student? Reach out.
