Executive Summary
OpenAI has announced the OpenAI Economic Research Exchange, a new program designed to support and facilitate external research on the economic effects of artificial intelligence. Through this initiative, selected researchers will collaborate with OpenAI on structured projects, gaining privacy-protected access to the company's tools and data. The program aims to generate credible, independent evidence on how AI is impacting workers, firms, and the broader economy to better inform researchers, policymakers, and the public.
Key Takeaways
* Program Launch: The initiative is officially named the "OpenAI Economic Research Exchange."
* Primary Goal: To support rigorous, empirical research into the economic impacts of AI by collaborating with external experts.
* Collaboration Model: Selected researchers will engage in project-based collaborations with the OpenAI Economic Research team, with defined milestones and data governance.
* Resource Access: The program provides researchers with carefully governed and privacy-protected use of OpenAI's tools and datasets to supplement traditional data sources.
* Target Audience: The call for proposals is aimed at researchers with strong empirical skills in fields such as applied causal inference, labor economics, productivity, and public finance.
* Application Timeline: The application window is open until July 5, 2026, with selected researchers to be notified by July 31, 2026.
Strategic Importance
This initiative positions OpenAI as a key facilitator in understanding AI's societal effects, enabling the company to help shape policy discussions and academic discourse with data-driven research.