Tyler Cowen — The #1 bottleneck to AI progress is humans

This podcast delves into the limits of rapid economic growth through AI, despite its promising potential. It kicks off by questioning whether swift growth is realistic within current economic frameworks and identifies key obstacles like the shortage of skilled workers and institutional challenges. The speakers engage in a lively debate about the accuracy of economic models and highlight how factors beyond mere intelligence also influence growth, referencing historical examples of slow technology adoption. One major takeaway is the assertion that while AI is expected to contribute to long-term growth—approximately 0.5% annually—a sudden surge in economic expansion is unlikely due to systemic constraints. This thoughtful analysis offers a fresh perspective on the common belief that AI will instantly transform the global economy.