Anthropic, the creator of the Claude AI model, has announced a commitment of more than €170 million to investigate how artificial intelligence could reshape the labour market. The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday, includes a research fund and a policy roadmap aimed at helping governments respond to potential job displacement.
The company's Economic Futures Research Fund will receive an initial $200 million (€173 million) to back studies and trials of public policies that Anthropic considers promising. Additionally, a $150 million (€130 million) fellowship programme will support early-career professionals in spreading AI's benefits across communities, though the focus is primarily on the United States.
A Tiered Plan for Rising Unemployment
In an essay published on his personal website, CEO Dario Amodei argued that AI could cause labour market disruption far larger and longer-lasting than past technological shifts. He outlined a framework for the US government to respond at three levels of AI-driven unemployment: 5%, 10%, or an unspecified 'unprecedented' level. The latest US jobless rate, released last week, stood at 4.3%.
In the most severe scenario, Anthropic recommends permanent support mechanisms such as universal basic income (UBI), sovereign wealth models, and equity-sharing to distribute AI-generated wealth. Amodei suggested that UBI could be funded through taxes on 'relevant companies' or a higher capital gains tax.
'The key challenge in such a world won't be incentivizing growth, but finding a way for everyone to share in the benefits,' Amodei wrote, adding that he was not 'trying to be a prophet of doom.'
This move follows OpenAI's pledge on Monday to ensure AI's gains are 'widely shared.' CEO Sam Altman recently met US Senator Bernie Sanders to discuss giving the public ownership stakes in AI firms via a public wealth fund. Both companies are moving towards stock market listings.
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would soon meet AI executives to discuss 'giving back' to the public, telling reporters, 'if we do that, the public will become very rich.'
European Implications and Oversight
While Anthropic's proposals are tailored to the US, the implications for Europe are significant. The European Union is already advancing its own AI regulatory framework, the AI Act, which aims to classify AI systems by risk and impose strict requirements on high-risk applications. The bloc's approach to AI governance could serve as a model for other regions, especially as the EU-US trade relationship faces new strains.
Anthropic also recommends that governments be able to 'block or deter' AI models posing 'a significant risk of catastrophic harms.' Amodei argued oversight should match the rigour of US aviation rules, with models tested and audited before release, since AI, like aircraft, cars and medicines, is 'capable of killing large numbers of people if designed or operated poorly.'
European policymakers have echoed similar concerns. The EU Environment Chief recently stated that climate policy is now defence policy, highlighting the interconnectedness of technology, security, and regulation. As AI continues to evolve, European nations will need to balance innovation with safeguards to protect workers and citizens.
Anthropic's announcement comes amid broader debates about the societal impact of AI. The company's research fund could provide valuable data for European governments crafting their own responses to automation and job displacement. However, the effectiveness of such initiatives will depend on international cooperation and the willingness of tech giants to share the benefits of AI with the public.
