The panel delved into the profound societal, economic, and geopolitical implications of artificial intelligence. Professor Daron Acemoglu cautioned that current AI trajectories prioritize automation, heightening risks of inequality, job displacement, and democratic erosion. He urged a shift toward AI systems that complement and empower workers rather than replace them.

Professor Acemoglu framed the debate around four pivotal choices: whether AI should substitute or complement human labor; pursue artificial general intelligence or focus on domain-specific, pro-worker tools; centralize or decentralize data ownership; and whether global AI leadership will exacerbate divides between developed and developing nations. Today’s centralized data models, often built on unconsented user information, undermine sovereignty—especially in emerging economies. He advocated compensating data producers and fostering open, decentralized platforms.

Dr. Nageswaran underscored India’s demographic advantage but warned of the pressing need to create eight million jobs annually. Automation-centric AI threatens traditional employment pathways, making strategic investments in skilling, infrastructure, and culturally relevant AI models imperative. India’s strengths—digital public infrastructure and a young workforce—contrast with weaknesses like limited computing power and a large informal labor market.

The discussion highlighted AI’s potential for social good: expanding education to remote areas, improving healthcare access, and transforming rote learning. Sectors such as elder care and skilled trades remain less vulnerable to automation, though elevating their social status is critical.

Ultimately, AI’s trajectory is not predetermined but shaped by collective choices. Through inclusive policies, democratic engagement, and global cooperation, AI can be steered toward a human-centric future. With the US and China dominating current development, Acemoglu called for a coalition of developing nations—led by India—to champion shared principles on AI governance, data rights, and workforce development.

Links to media/social coverage

https://www.forbesindia.com/article/ai-tracker/ai-may-not-always-be-a-force-for-general-good-nobel-laureate-daron-acemoglu/2988451/1

https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/need-8-million-jobs-annually-to-reap-demographic-advantage-ai-to-supplement-cea-nageswaran/4041856/

https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/india-needs-to-find-vocations-least-impacted-by-ai-cea-nageswaran-125110401802_1.html

https://newsmantra.in/indias-demographic-advantage-will-last-10-15-years-ai-strategy-key-to-job-creation-says-indias-chief-economic-advisor-at-icrier-prosus-centre-webinar/

https://www.apnnews.com/indias-demographic-advantage-will-last-10-15-years-ai-strategy-key-to-job-creation-says-indias-chief-economic-advisor-at-icrier-prosus-centre-webinar/#:~:text

https://www.thehansindia.com/business/ai-shift-poses-new-risks-as-india-faces-massive-job-crunch-1023170

https://en.sangritimes.com/cea-stresses-urgent-need-for-job-creation-as-key-to-indias-demographic-dividend

https://tennews.in/need-8-million-jobs-annually-to-reap-demographic-advantage-ai-to-supplement-cea-nageswaran/

https://cxotoday.com/press-release/indias-demographic-advantage-will-last-10-15-years-ai-strategy-key-to-job-creation-says-indias-chief-economic-advisor-at-icrier-prosus-centre-webinar/

https://onlinemediacafe.com/business/harnessing-ai-indias-path-to-job-creation-over-next-15-years-revealed-at-icrier-prosus-webinar/

https://www.thehawk.in/news/science/need-8-million-jobs-annually-to-reap-demographic-advantage-ai-to-supplement-cea-nageswaran

https://m.rediff.com/news/commentary/2025/nov/05/india-needs-to-find-vocations-least-impacted-by-ai-cea/7923c616aaf3dbb26e610c5c698604fe

https://www.outlookbusiness.com/start-up/news/cheaper-foreign-ai-subscriptions-could-deepen-market-dominance-raise-entry-barriers-for-indian-players-cea-nageswaran

https://www.communicationstoday.co.in/india-should-promote-ai-resistant-vocations-to-safeguard-jobs/