Upwork Establishes Economic Advisory Council to Deepen Understanding of AI's Impact on Work

Core Insights - Upwork Inc. has established the Upwork Economic Advisory Council to provide strategic guidance on AI-human workforce design and labor market shifts [1][2] - The council aims to ensure that Upwork's innovations in AI are based on rigorous research, addressing economic, social, and ethical implications [2][6] Group 1: Council Formation and Purpose - The Upwork Economic Advisory Council consists of leading economists, scientists, and researchers from prestigious institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Georgetown [1][4] - The council's mandate includes advising on productivity measurement, ethical principles in AI, and identifying labor market shifts driven by AI [5][6] Group 2: Council Members and Expertise - Notable members include Dr. Nicholas Bloom, Dr. John Horton, Dr. Kelly Monahan, Dr. Sendhil Mullainathan, Dr. Dewey Murdick, Dr. Andrew Rabinovich, and Dr. Melissa Valentine, each bringing expertise in economics, technology, and organizational behavior [5][6] - The diverse expertise of the council members spans labor economics, AI policy, organizational design, and machine learning [5][6] Group 3: Upwork's Market Position and Economic Impact - Upwork's platform recorded a gross services volume of $4 billion in 2024, indicating its significant role in the labor market [3] - The platform has facilitated over $25 billion in economic opportunity for talent globally, showcasing its impact on the workforce [8]