Analyzing wealth distribution effects of artificial intelligence: A dynamic stochastic general equilibrium approach

This study explores the often-overlooked influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on wealth distribution. Using a continuous-time heterogeneous agent dynamic general equilibrium model, we investigate AI's impact on production technology as a form of biased technological progress. Our findings...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Fang Liu, Chen Liang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-01-01
Series:Heliyon
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844025003238
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Summary:This study explores the often-overlooked influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on wealth distribution. Using a continuous-time heterogeneous agent dynamic general equilibrium model, we investigate AI's impact on production technology as a form of biased technological progress. Our findings highlight a temporal dichotomy in AI's effects on wealth inequality: in the short term, AI exacerbates disparities in wealth distribution, while the long-term outcomes depend on the extent of AI's influence across different technological domains. The nuanced nature of AI-driven technological progress leads to distinct consequences for the rate of return on capital—showing short-term increases across all forms of technological progress, but with varying long-term effects. Based on these results, we propose policy recommendations for China to leverage AI for economic growth while mitigating inequality. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of AI's role in wealth distribution, offering valuable insights for both academic inquiry and policy formulation.
ISSN:2405-8440