Academic center · Science policy · MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), Cambridge · Est. 2019
MIT FutureTech is an MIT-based interdisciplinary research group that studies the foundations of progress in computing, focusing on economic and technical trends driving advancements in AI and computing—and on how those trends underpin scientific progress and economic prosperity. Its stated mission is to uncover academically rigorous insights at the intersection of computer science and economics to guide practical decisions about how AI capabilities are advancing and what that means for productivity growth and broader societal questions.
Strategically, FutureTech positions itself as both a research and convening effort: it conducts research at the intersection of AI, computing progress, and economic outcomes; publishes and disseminates findings through academic venues and public-facing outputs; and provides inputs to business and policy decision-makers. The group also builds and maintains structured public research assets (such as its AI risk repositories/tools) intended to support policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working across jurisdictions.
MIT FutureTech research featured in the Atlantic piece on whether automation will make human workers obsolete
EAG Workshop London hosts MIT FutureTechThe MIT FutureTech team had a productive visit to London in late May to attend the Effective Altruism Global (EAG) London 2026 conference.
Peterson Institute invites MIT FutureTech for scenario workshopMIT FutureTech contributes to Peterson Institute for International Economics vision of U.S. society in 2030
Wall Street Journal quotes Neil ThompsonWSJ Quotes MIT FUtureTech Director Neil Thompson on potentail upsdies to AI's impact on the economy
FutureTechFutureTechFutureTechFutureTechWhat will be scarce?The economics of structural change and the post-commodity future of work
FutureTech states its research was featured in an Atlantic piece about whether automation will make human workers obsolete.
Bringing people together at AI for the Economy ForumFutureTech describes an inaugural AI for the Economy Forum co-hosted with MIT FutureTech, positioned as a venue for discussing how AI will impact the economy and jobs and for enabling ongoing collaboration.
Head of Economic Research at Google Joins FutureTech lab at MITFutureTech announced that Guy Ben-Ishai joined the lab as a Senior Fellow; the announcement frames the appointment as supporting an expanded research agenda on AI’s impact on markets, public policy, and economic growth.
FutureTech Launches SubstackFutureTech announced it launched a Substack publication intended to share research insights, analysis, and updates on AI and computing innovation.
MIT AI Risk Repository Releases Impactful FindingsFutureTech announced the release of findings mapping the AI governance landscape via the MIT AI Risk Repository initiative.
FutureTech and CMU Joint Research CollaborationFutureTech announced a joint research collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University’s The Block Center for Technology and Society focused on labor implications of AI and exploring AI’s transformation of the workforce and economy.