Meet Aaron Chatterji: OpenAI's First Chief Economist and His Impact on AI Economic Policy

Aaron Chatterji has established himself as a prominent figure in both economic policy and public service within his home state of North Carolina.

Aaron "Ronnie" Chatterji, recently appointed as OpenAI's inaugural Chief Economist, will be participating in the NDTV World Summit taking place in New Delhi. Scheduled for October 17-18, this prestigious event will gather distinguished individuals from various sectors including politics, science, technology, and business to engage in meaningful discussions focused on global innovation and collaborative efforts.

On October 22, 2024, OpenAI announced Aaron Chatterji as their first-ever Chief Economist, creating this position specifically to enhance the organization's insights into the long-term economic implications of artificial intelligence. According to OpenAI, his responsibilities include spearheading research on AI's influence on economic growth, employment opportunities, and productivity, while also analyzing the worldwide impact of developing AI infrastructure.

Professionally, Aaron Chatterji holds the position of Mark Burgess & Lisa Benson-Burgess Distinguished Professor of Business and Public Policy at Duke University in the United States. His scholarly work primarily explores how emerging technologies and business innovations affect economic systems and society at large.

He is currently on leave as a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research and maintains a secondary position at Duke's Sanford School of Public Policy. Previously in his academic career, he served as a visiting Associate Professor at Harvard Business School.

Chatterji has occupied several high-ranking economic policy positions within the US federal government, most notably during former President Joe Biden's administration. As the White House CHIPS Coordinator, he managed the implementation of the $52-billion CHIPS and Science Act, a major industrial policy initiative designed to revitalize semiconductor manufacturing and strengthen supply chains.

He also served as Acting Deputy Director of the White House National Economic Council, where he directed efforts to support manufacturing, develop resilient supply chains, and foster innovation across sectors.

Before these appointments, Chatterji worked as the Chief Economist at the US Department of Commerce, providing guidance on competitiveness, trade, and growth policies. Additionally, he served as a Senior Economist on the White House Council of Economic Advisers during former President Barack Obama's tenure.

In terms of local governance, Chatterji has been actively involved in public service within North Carolina. He has served on both the North Carolina FIRST Commission and the Governor's Entrepreneurial Council, advising the Governor on state economic policies. In 2020, he campaigned for State Treasurer of North Carolina, successfully winning the statewide primary and receiving over two million votes in the general election.

Regarding his academic background, Chatterji holds a PhD in Business and Public Policy from the University of California, Berkeley, and a BA in Economics from Cornell University. His scholarly contributions include two published books and more than 30 peer-reviewed papers in various academic journals.

The upcoming NDTV World Summit 2025 will bring together influential voices from across the globe for comprehensive discussions about forces reshaping our future. The summit will focus on the theme 'Risk, Resolve and Renewal,' highlighting the challenges, opportunities, and innovations that will define the coming decade.