# Google Expands AI Economy Research with Top Economists Nobel laureate and leading researchers join to study AI's global economic impact. - **Source:** [The Keyword](https://brifing.si/source/1bf6786b-d11e-4f89-9ea8-3bf84080f694) - **Published:** 2026-09-18 - **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d6ba2c5f-6d8c-414c-a4a9-003cab70714a ## Google's AI research expansion Google has significantly expanded its AI Economy Research Program by adding Nobel laureate Philippe Aghion, Professor Ajay Agrawal, and other leading economists. The team will focus on measuring AI's impact on global economic activity, labor markets, and productivity. New directors Anu Madgavkar and Daniel Rock will lead research into AI adoption patterns and enterprise growth. The program combines economic theory with real-world data through Google's AI Economy ATLAS platform. ## Research focus areas The expanded program will concentrate on four key areas: future of work, productivity growth, global technology diffusion, and AI's impact on scientific discovery. Researchers will track how businesses and workers adapt to AI tools in real-time. The team aims to develop policy frameworks and training programs that help workers upskill. Their findings will directly inform updates to Google's open-access ATLAS research platform. ## Leadership structure The research program will be co-led by Anu Madgavkar and Daniel Rock as Directors. They'll work alongside Alex Imas from Google DeepMind and Zanna Iscenko from Google's Chief Economist's Office. The team includes visiting scholars and external advisors to ensure multidisciplinary perspectives. This structure bridges academic research with industry applications, creating actionable insights for policymakers. ## ATLAS research platform Google's AI Economy ATLAS v1.0 serves as the program's foundation, tracking how people use AI tools in work and daily life. The interactive platform provides open-access data on global AI adoption patterns. Researchers will use this data to analyze economic impacts across different sectors and regions. Future updates will incorporate findings from the expanded research team's work. ## Collaboration approach The program emphasizes collaboration between academia, industry leaders, and policymakers. Google is establishing partnerships with top economic institutions to validate findings. Researchers will work directly with businesses to study real-world AI implementation. This practical focus aims to bridge the gap between theoretical economics and operational business needs. ## Economic transition analysis The team recognizes technological shifts occur gradually, requiring longitudinal study. They'll track how different industries adapt to AI at varying paces. Special attention will be given to workforce transitions and skill development needs. The research aims to identify which organizational practices best facilitate smooth AI adoption. ## Policy impact goals Beyond academic research, the program seeks to directly inform public policy development. Findings will help shape workforce training programs and regulatory frameworks. The team will publish regular reports accessible to non-technical audiences. Google aims to democratize access to AI economic insights through this initiative. ## Long-term economic vision The expanded research program represents Google's commitment to understanding AI's macroeconomic effects. By combining rigorous economic analysis with real-time data, the team hopes to maximize AI's benefits while minimizing disruption. Their work could shape how societies adapt to technological change in coming decades. ## Sources covering this story - https://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/technology/ai/expanding-ai-economy-research-bench/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._