AI rapidly improving, could vastly boost US GDP, Anthropic's Clark tells policymakers

Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark warned policymakers at the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to significantly boost the US GDP by nearly 50% by 2030. Clark believes international cooperation is crucial in setting strict rules for the transformative technology, emphasizing that there is a limited window for policymakers to act.

He highlighted that current AI models forecast such a substantial increase in economic output, with the potential US GDP reaching $44tn, compared to the current $30tn. Clark, known for his former journalism career and serving as Anthropic's head of public benefit, painted a picture of a future where AI aids scientific discovery, solves complex problems, and enhances employment, particularly in fields like scientific research.

However, he cautioned that AI could also lead to job losses in sectors with high AI exposure, such as call centers. Despite some high-profile incidents with rogue AI systems, Clark maintains that AI remains under human control, but the window to enforce safeguards is rapidly closing as the technology becomes more capable.