AI: Who Wins and Who Loses?

CMU Block Center and MIT CSAIL FutureTech

The frantic media and social network focus on artificial intelligence (AI) is largely centered on the supply side—highlighting advancements such as data center investments, generative AI models, and the cutting-edge capabilities introduced by tech giants like Apple, Amazon, and Google.

In contrast, much less attention is given to the demand side. High-profile applications in areas such as software development, call center operations, pharmaceutical research, and materials innovation are among the most well-documented. However, recent surveys reveal that the adoption of AI in business processes remains limited. Integration beyond incidental usage is estimated at mid-single-digit percentages, with slightly higher adoption rates observed among larger organizations.

As a general-purpose technology, AI has the potential to eventually permeate a wide range of enterprises—spanning large, medium, and small businesses. The pace and scope of this adoption will depend on the direction of technological advancements and the trajectory of innovation across industries.

The anticipated labor market impact of AI deployment and adoption has drawn considerable attention, yet significant gaps remain in understanding which tasks can be automated, which can be augmented, and where entirely new tasks might emerge.

We hypothesize that business processes focused on achieving efficiency differ fundamentally from those aimed at value creation, with variations across occupations, industries, and regions. Current data is insufficient in both timeliness and scope to address these questions comprehensively.

The upcoming workshop will explore: (1) specific empirical methods to gain insights into AI adoption; (2) frameworks for connecting AI's technological characteristics to its economic diffusion and labor market implications; and (3) strategies for policymakers, business leaders, and researchers to collaborate in mitigating challenges, capturing necessary data, and maximizing opportunities.

Funded by the NSF Directorate of Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIPs), the workshop will address the economy-wide R&D efforts required to foster innovation and economic growth. By facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration, the event aims to contribute a fresh and valuable perspective to discussions on AI diffusion and its economic impacts. The workshop took place on March 6-7, 2025, at Carnegie Mellon University's Block Center for Technology and Society. 

Conference Venue

Hotel Recommendations

• The Mansions on Fifth, 5105 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
• The Oaklander Hotel, 5130 Bigelow Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
• Courtyard Pittsburgh University Center, 100 Lytton Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
• Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh University Place, 3454 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
• Residence Inn Pittsburgh Oakland/University Place, 3341 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Visitor Parking Information

*For those attending, East Campus Garage will be closing at 6pm on Thursday March 6th. We recommend parking in the Morewood Parking Lot at 1048 Morewood Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. 

The entrance is between Morewood Gardens and Stever House. Campus visitors can pre-book parking spaces in the gated portion of the Morewood Lot via the ParkMobile app – just pre-pay for your spot online and scan the app’s QR code at the entrance gate.

Campus Maps & Getting to CMU