Anton Korinek
Professor, Department of Economics and Darden School of Business, University of Virginia; Faculty Director, Economics of Transformative AI (EconTAI) Initiative; Visiting Fellow, The Brookings Institution; Research Associate, NBER and CEPR
Austria 
United States United States Themes
Anton Korinek is a professor of economics at the University of Virginia, where he holds joint appointments in the Department of Economics and the Darden School of Business. He serves as Faculty Director of the Economics of Transformative AI (EconTAI) Initiative and is a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) and the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR). His research focuses on the economic implications of artificial intelligence, including its effects on growth, labor markets, inequality, and public policy, as well as AI governance and financial stability.
Korinek’s work is aimed at policymakers, economists, and researchers studying the intersection of technology and economic systems. He has contributed to high-level discussions on AI’s societal impact, including testimony before the U.S. Senate and roles with institutions like the Brookings Institution and the G7 High-Level Panel on AI. His recent publications examine scenarios for AI-driven economic transitions, the concentration of AI development, and the future of work. Recognized in the *TIME100 AI* (2025) and *Future Perfect 50* (2024), his analysis informs both academic and public discourse on AI’s transformative potential.
From Financial Crises to AI Transformation
Anton Korinek’s career spans two distinct but interconnected fields: financial stability and the economics of artificial intelligence. His early work focused on preventing financial crises, particularly in emerging economies. This research led to an influential framework for regulating capital flows, which remains relevant for policymakers navigating global financial volatility.
Korinek’s shift toward AI economics reflects a broader recognition of technology’s transformative potential. His current research examines how AI could reshape economic systems, labor markets, and societal structures. This transition wasn’t abrupt—it built on his expertise in systemic risks and policy responses, now applied to a new set of challenges.
Key Research Initiatives
The Economics of Transformative AI (EconTAI) Initiative, which Korinek launched in 2025, serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research. The initiative brings together economists, technologists, and policymakers to study AI’s long-term economic implications. Its focus areas include:
- AI-driven productivity growth and its distribution across sectors
- Labor market disruptions and potential policy responses
- Inequality dynamics in an AI-augmented economy
- Governance frameworks for advanced AI systems
Korinek also co-edits the *Oxford Handbook of AI Governance*, a comprehensive resource for researchers and policymakers. The handbook addresses regulatory approaches, ethical considerations, and economic incentives shaping AI development. His work on the G7 High-Level Panel of Experts further bridges academic research and international policy discussions.
Policy Engagement and Advisory Roles
Korinek’s research extends beyond academia into direct policy engagement. He has testified before the U.S. Senate on AI’s economic impacts, providing evidence-based recommendations for legislative frameworks. His advisory roles include:
- Anthropic’s Economic Advisory Council, where he contributes to discussions on AI’s societal implications
- Consulting for the IMF’s Independent Evaluation Office on financial stability and AI-related risks
- Research fellowships at the Bank of Finland and SUERF, focusing on monetary policy in the digital age
His recent contributions to the G7 report on AI and economic policy highlight the need for coordinated international responses. The report emphasizes balancing innovation with safeguards against systemic risks, a recurring theme in Korinek’s work.
Academic and Professional Background
Korinek’s academic path reflects a blend of theoretical rigor and practical experience. He earned his PhD in economics from Columbia University in 2007 after working in IT and finance. This industry background informs his research, grounding abstract economic models in real-world applications.
Before joining the University of Virginia, he held positions at Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland. His visiting appointments include Harvard, the World Bank, and the Bank for International Settlements. These experiences shaped his approach to economic policy, particularly in addressing complex, interconnected challenges.
Korinek’s recognition in the *TIME100 AI* (2025) and *Future Perfect 50* (2024) reflects his influence in shaping public discourse. His research continues to inform debates on AI’s role in economic growth, labor transitions, and global governance.