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Sanford recently hosted a fireside chat that brought together leaders in artificial intelligence (AI) research and policy. In a discussion moderated by David Hoffman, Steed Family Professor of the Practice of Public Policy and Director of Sanford's Tech Policy Lab, OpenAI leaders shared their insights on the ever-evolving role of AI in society. Hoffman also co-leads the Deep Tech @ Duke Initiative. He has fostered the partnership between Duke and OpenAI and guided the conversation, focusing on AI's potential to accelerate scientific discovery and innovation.
The chat featured three distinguished OpenAI leaders: Ronnie Chatterji, Chief Economist for OpenAI (as well as a Sanford and Fuqua professor), Chan Park, Head of the US and Canada Policy and Partnerships team, and James Donovan, part of OpenAI’s Moonshots team in Research and Development. Together, they discussed the rapid advancement of AI technologies, their potential to reshape industries, and the ethical considerations that come with this transformation.
Rethinking Education in the Age of AI
A central theme of the discussion was the profound impact AI is having on education and workforce preparation. Park emphasized that it’s no longer just about understanding the tools of AI but also about fostering a deep curiosity in students, especially in fields that are traditionally considered "soft" disciplines. According to Park, a strong sense of curiosity is essential, as it drives students to explore new areas of knowledge that AI will soon help unlock.
“There’s a need for students to engage with AI, even if they don't plan to use it directly,” Park said. “Having familiarity with how these tools work will better equip them to adapt to a rapidly changing world.” He urged students to explore the intersections of their fields with AI, suggesting that understanding the technology's potential to complement their work could lead to breakthrough innovations.
David Hoffman echoed this sentiment, noting that while AI may fundamentally change the workforce in the coming years, it is also an opportunity for students to engage in interdisciplinary thinking. “The rapid advancement of AI means we need to start thinking about how we can educate students to be not only technically skilled but also equipped with the critical thinking abilities that will allow them to navigate these complex challenges.”
AI as a Complement to Human Employment
Chatterji, Chief Economist for OpenAI, took the conversation further by addressing the extent to which AI simply replaces human workers. He called out that the future of work will likely see AI acting as a complement to many human skillsets while also replacing some.
“The key is to understand that AI can enhance what we do,” Chatterji explained. “Whether you’re a scientist, an engineer, or a doctor, AI can help you make better decisions more efficiently.”
He emphasized that in the context of economics, technology often acts as both a substitute and a complement. As AI continues to evolve, the opportunity lies in figuring out how it can be integrated into existing roles, amplifying human capabilities, and public policy will play an important role in creating incentives for these positive impacts of AI while needing to mitigate the impacts to humans for those situations where jobs are replaced. “The brightest future for AI will be as a tool to make us better at what we do and as a substitute for the work we do not want to do,” he said.
The Need for Critical Thinking in an AI-Driven World
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As AI grows more sophisticated, its integration into education and the workplace will require more than just technical proficiency. Chatterji and Park both highlighted the importance of critical thinking skills, which will remain indispensable in an AI-dominated world.
Park explained, “AI is changing rapidly, but the core competencies that make a good decision-maker or leader remain the same. Critical thinking, the ability to ask hard questions, and an understanding of the broader societal implications are all skills that will continue to matter.”
Donovan, a member of OpenAI’s Moonshots team, also touched on this notion. He spoke about how AI could enable people to focus on more strategic, creative, and high-level tasks, leaving routine processes to be handled by AI systems. However, Donovan noted that this shift would require human oversight, emphasizing that AI still needs guidance in understanding context, nuance, and ethical considerations.
“AI can do many things well, but it can’t replace the human touch when it comes to making ethical decisions or understanding complex social dynamics,” Donovan said. “As we develop these technologies, it’s critical to ensure they are used responsibly.”
“The opportunity for students today is to not just watch as AI transforms the world, but to engage with it, to help shape its direction, and to use it to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. ”
David Hoffman
Preparing for a Future Shaped by AI
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Looking ahead, the speakers agreed that students should focus on cultivating skills that go beyond technical expertise. Park stressed the importance of understanding the societal implications of AI. “You need to engage with the technology,” he said, “but also engage with the broader questions that come with it—questions about ethics, equity, and societal impact.”
Chatterji reiterated this point, suggesting that while AI will likely lead to new types of jobs that we can’t yet imagine, it will also create new responsibilities for policymakers, educators, and business leaders. He challenged the audience to think about how to optimize for both innovation and mitigating the potential risks associated with AI.
Donovan added that the uncertain nature of AI’s future means that adaptability and continuous learning will be key for the next generation of professionals. “You can’t predict exactly what the future holds,” he said, “but you can prepare by being adaptable and staying curious.”
A Call to Action for Students
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As the conversation drew to a close, David Hoffman echoed the speakers' call for students to become active participants in the AI-driven future. “The opportunity for students today is to not just watch as AI transforms the world,” Hoffman said, “but to engage with it, to help shape its direction, and to use it to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”
The partnership between Duke and OpenAI is designed to give students access to the cutting-edge research and opportunities needed to thrive in this new landscape. Hoffman emphasized that institutions like Duke help students develop the skills they need to thrive in an AI-enhanced world and shape the public policy that will foster human flourishing.
As the fireside chat concluded, the audience left with a clearer understanding of how AI will impact the future of work, education, and society. The conversation underscored the importance of preparing students not just to work with AI but to think critically about its role in shaping a rapidly changing world.