Google’s chief economist, Fabien Curto Millet, argues that the focus on AI eliminating jobs is misplaced. Instead, he emphasizes that AI will primarily transform existing roles, often faster than people realize. Speaking at an event hosted by the Stone Center on Inequality and Shaping the Future of Work, Millet noted that most jobs will evolve rather than disappear entirely. He cited historical examples, such as the shift from typewriter manufacturers to computer-related roles, to illustrate how technology has consistently created more jobs than it eliminates.
Millet advised companies to redesign their workflows to fully leverage AI’s potential, rather than just chasing quick wins like cost cuts. He also highlighted the changing role of managers, who now need to oversee both human employees and AI agents. ‘You now need to also manage all of these [AI] agents,’ he said, emphasizing the need for adaptable leadership during this transition.
To mitigate the impact on displaced workers, Millet stressed the importance of retraining and upskilling. He suggested that public-private partnerships could help ensure equitable access to AI across different sectors, age groups, and geographies. Without proper training, workers may struggle to transition into undersupplied fields like healthcare, where demand is growing.
The Stone Center on Inequality and Shaping the Future of Work, co-founded by MIT professor Simon Johnson, aims to promote equitable labor market practices through economic research.