TechSurge: Deep Tech Podcast

Will AI displace more jobs than it creates? How can the U.S. win the AI race? How can AI benefits be evenly distributed across businesses and society?

We explore these questions and more as Sriram Viswanathan sits down with Ronnie Chatterji, Chief Economist at OpenAI, for an in-depth exploration of AI's economic impact and policy implications. Ronnie brings a unique perspective, having served as an economic advisor in both the Obama and Biden administrations as a senior economist, supply chain advisor, and architect of the CHIPS Act.

The conversation dives into the economic opportunities and challenges of AI adoption, from productivity gains and job market transformation to the critical need for workforce retraining and AI upskilling in schools. Ronnie also delves into America's competitive position in the global AI race, the critical need for infrastructure investment in order to continue scaling this emerging technology, and the lessons learned from implementing major industrial policy like the CHIPS Act.

Links:
Learn more about OpenAI's economic research and policy work - OpenAI
Read OpenAI's Economic Blueprint for the US - OpenAI’s Economic Blueprint
Explore the CHIPS and Science Act - CHIPS.gov
Ronnie Chatterji's academic work at Duke University - Duke Fuqua School of Business
  • (00:00) - The Expanding Role of AI in Human Agency
  • (02:36) - Economic Implications of AI and Job Market Dynamics
  • (08:43) - Opportunities and Challenges in Labor with AI
  • (13:49) - Preparing Future Generations for an AI-Driven World
  • (19:15) - Ensuring Equitable Access to AI Technology
  • (23:07) - Infrastructure Development for AI Growth
  • (25:25) - Geopolitical Considerations in AI Development
  • (28:05) - Global Collaboration in AI Development
  • (31:07) - The EU's AI Regulatory Framework
  • (35:04) - The Chips Act: Vision and Implementation
  • (39:02) - AI Investment Landscape
  • (42:04) - Global Perspectives on AI: Insights from India and China
  • (45:36) - Misconceptions and Future of AI Education

What is TechSurge: Deep Tech Podcast?

The TechSurge: Deep Tech VC Podcast explores the frontiers of emerging tech, geopolitics, and business, with conversations tailored for entrepreneurs, technologists, and investment professionals. Presented by Celesta Capital, and hosted by Founding Partners Nic Brathwaite, Michael Marks, and Sriram Viswanathan. Send feedback and show ideas to techsurge@celesta.vc.

Each discussion delves into the intersection of technology advancement, market dynamics, and the founder journey, offering insights into the vast opportunities and complex challenges ahead. Episode topics include AI, data center transformation, blockchain, cyber security, healthcare innovation, VC investment trends, tips for first-time founders, and more.

Tune in to hear directly from Silicon Valley leaders, daring new founders, and visionary thinkers. Past guests include investor Vinod Khosla, former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, the Global Head of McKinsey, and executive leaders from Microsoft, OpenAI, and other leading tech companies.

New episodes release every two weeks. Visit techsurgepodcast.com for more details and to sign up for our newsletter and other content!