Last week, DeepSeek threw financial markets into turmoil, led people to ask whether the U.S. has fallen behind China, and created anxiety around AI developments. Our AI scholar, Dean Ball, was not surprised by the DeepSeek effect, in fact, he predicted it. Dean is not particularly alarmed by DeepSeek, but he recognizes that it demonstrates something unsettling for many people: AI’s incredible
rate of change.
One stat Dean points out—that blew me away—is that we can expect algorithmic efficiency gains of 400–500% every year. This is evidence of the need for insightful, free-market, and prudent AI policy.
Mercatus has long been committed to advancing sensible AI policy, and that work is more important than ever. Our AI Policy Guide helps policymakers navigate the rapidly changing, complex AI landscape. Just this morning, we announced Brendan McCord
, founder of the Cosmos Institute and successful AI entrepreneur, joined our board of directors. His expertise will strengthen our focus on AI’s role in market-driven prosperity and support the next generation of AI researchers and entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, Tyler Cowen remains one of the leading voices on AI and its implications for our world. This week, he overviewed Deep Research at Marginal Revolution, adding to the conversation on AI's transformative potential.
But we want to invest even more. AI’s potential is enormous, but the wrong policies could strangle that potential. This is why we’re currently hiring AI research talent to shape the debate on AI governance and policy. If that sounds like you (or someone you know), please email our VP of Research, Eileen Norcross, at
[email protected]. Include your resume and examples of your work in this space (Substack posts, podcast interviews, op-eds, social media posts, etc.).
Ben Brophy Director of Marketing
Mercatus Center at George Mason University
Topics & Issues
Vero de Rugy analyzes the president's choice to lead the National Economic Council.
Tyler Cowen theorizes that Trumpian policy is best seen through a cultural lens.
Charles Gardner testifies on the benefits of ADUs and residential development in commercial zones in New Hampshire.
Ben Klutsey talks to Kurt Gray on the Pluralist Points podcast about moral outrage and why stories matter more than facts in political disagreements.
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