- Economics
- US Labor Market
- Artificial Intelligence
- Answering Challenges to Advanced Economies
Steve chats with Liya Palagashvili about her new paper on “Artificial Intelligence and the Rise of Independent Work.” They start with a discussion of why, as a matter of economics, it’s plausible that generative AI tools make it easier to operate solo businesses. They then turn to Liya’s evidence, which suggests that AI has helped spur the growth of one-person businesses since 2024 in the United States. They close with a discussion of how this development should inform our thinking about labor market policies.
Recored on June 22, 2026.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Liya Palagashvili is Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Labor Policy Project at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Her research focuses on labor regulations, the gig economy, and the changing nature of work. She has published in academic journals, in books, and in media outlets like the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. She writes regularly for her Substack, Labor Market Matters, and for a column at The Hill. Check out Liya Palagashvilli’s website.
RELATED SOURCE
- Artificial Intelligence and the Rise of Independent Work, Liya Palagashvilli, Mercatus Center, 17 July 2026.
- Me, Myself and AI, Liya Palagashvilli, Wall Street Journal, 1 July 2026.
- The Nature of the Firm, Ronald Coase, Economica, November 1937.
- Labor Market Fluidity and Economic Performance, Steven J. Davis and John Haltiwanger, Re-Evaluating Labor Market Dynamics, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, 2015.
ABOUT THE SERIES
Each episode of Economics, Applied, a video podcast series, features senior fellow Steven Davis in conversation with leaders and researchers about economic developments and their ramifications. The goal is to bring evidence and economic reasoning to the table, drawing lessons for individuals, organizations, and society. The podcast also aims to showcase the value of individual initiative, markets, the rule of law, and sound policy in fostering prosperity and security.
For more information, visit hoover.org/podcasts/economics-applied.
