Stanford professor warns AI could widen economic gaps without a plan

In a video from Imagination in Action's The Next Endeavor 2026 series, Stanford's Mehran Sahami discusses how AI's effect on the workforce depends on choices beyond the technology itself.

He warns that without deliberate planning, AI could lead to widespread unemployment or underemployment, deepening social and economic divides.

Sahami calls on those building AI systems to also consider the social structures needed to ensure more people can access AI tools and share in the financial gains they generate.