The AI Economy Institute (AIEI) was founded on a bold premise: the future of the economy should be shaped—not simply observed. To realize this vision, we’ve built a think tank with a deliberate rhythm of inquiry, collaboration, publication, and dissemination—turning ideas into impact.
The rhythm of business is the rhythm of knowledge
Twice a year, AIEI issues themed Calls for Proposals (CFPs), inviting scholars and practitioners worldwide to explore the economic and social transformations driven by artificial intelligence. These CFPs are more than academic invitations—they are the heartbeat of a global community committed to building an inclusive, trustworthy AI economy.
From these proposals emerge cohorts of senior fellows who engage in collaborative research, peer-reviewed scholarship, and practical writing. Each cohort contributes to a growing body of knowledge through journal articles and trade books designed for real-world audiences. This work comes alive through virtual and in-person workshops where Microsoft subject matter experts and external thought leaders refine insights and translate them into actionable strategies—ensuring research informs policy, investment, and practice rather than remaining theoretical.
From insight to impact
Each cohort embarks on a six-month journey culminating in peer-reviewed articles and a trade book, with every fellow contributing a chapter for practical audiences. These publications are not endpoints—they are catalysts. Workshops convene fellows with experts to challenge, refine, and transform insights into strategies that shape decisions across sectors.
AIEI’s cadence fosters both depth and diffusion. From proposal review to manuscript submission, every phase builds knowledge that is rigorous, relevant, and ready to inform real-world decisions. External reviewers and advisory fellows ensure scholarly excellence and global representation, while Microsoft SMEs provide thought partnership to bridge research and implementation.
Building a community of inquiry
This rhythm creates more than outputs—it builds a community. AIEI is cultivating a living network of inquiry, where each cohort adds to a growing archive of evidence and insight. Through this model, we are not just studying the AI economy—we are shaping it. Fellows tackle urgent topics such as AI’s impact on education, workforce development, and human agency, offering solutions that help institutions and communities adapt and thrive.
Dual Pathways to Knowledge
Research awards and trade book contributions serve distinct yet complementary purposes within AIEI’s rhythm. Research awards fund deep, rigorous inquiry—giving scholars the time and resources to explore complex questions and produce peer-reviewed scholarship that advances the field. Trade books, by contrast, offer a real-time platform for dialogue and synthesis. Each fellow contributes a chapter, not as an isolated academic exercise, but as part of a collective voice reflecting shared learning. These books are designed for accessibility and impact, ensuring insights move beyond the academy to inform practitioners, policymakers, and the public. Together, these outputs embody AIEI’s dual mission: to generate knowledge and share it widely.
Workshops: the connective tissue
Workshops transform individual scholars into a true cohort—a community that learns, debates, and innovates together. These sessions are active laboratories where fellows test ideas against one another and with Microsoft subject matter experts. This dynamic exchange sharpens arguments, surfaces new perspectives, and ensures research is grounded in both academic rigor and practical relevance. By fostering collaboration and intellectual challenge, workshops make the think tank more than a collection of projects—they make it a living network of ideas.
An economic future by design
Ultimately, AIEI is about designing the future with intention. No single entity has all the answers to the questions AI poses. But by convening diverse voices, supporting actionable research, and sharing what we learn, we are building a think tank that is both reflective and responsive—a place where scholarship meets strategy and the future of work, education, and opportunity is imagined and built.
Our goal is ambitious yet clear: to create an economic future by design. Through scholarship, engagement, and knowledge sharing, AIEI offers critical analysis and thought leadership at a moment when societies worldwide are grappling with profound change. We believe the future belongs to those who use AI thoughtfully—deepening human creativity and solving complex problems. By investing in research and convening global expertise, AIEI is charting a path toward purposeful transformation.
Artificial intelligence