Scott Stern

Boston University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Papers

Total Citations

437

H-Index

About

Scott Stern is a prominent economist and innovation scholar whose research sits at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. He is perhaps best known for his influential work on artificial intelligence as a transformative force in the innovation landscape, arguing that AI represents far more than a productivity tool — it functions as a general-purpose "method of invention" capable of fundamentally reshaping how R&D is organized and conducted. His 2018 paper on AI's impact on innovation has garnered over 430 citations, underscoring the significance of his contributions to the field and the broad reach of his ideas among economists, technologists, and policymakers alike. Stern's scholarship draws critical distinctions between AI as an automation technology versus AI as an engine of discovery, offering researchers and practitioners a nuanced framework for understanding how intelligent systems may alter the very nature of scientific and technological progress. His work bridges theoretical economic modeling with real-world implications for firms, industries, and national competitiveness. Widely recognized as a thought leader in innovation economics, Stern has shaped how academics and policymakers think about the future of invention in an increasingly AI-driven world.