Nobel Laureate Economist Acemoğlu Evaluates Artificial Intelligence and Turkey
Prof. Dr. Daron Acemoğlu drew attention to the risks in artificial intelligence investments and the possibility of a potential crash, stating that developing countries hold opportunities at the application layer.
Speaking at Istanbul Fintech Week 2026, Nobel laureate economist Prof. Dr. Daron Acemoğlu evaluated the massive scale of artificial intelligence investments, potential financial risks, and the arising application opportunities for countries like Turkey.
Artificial Intelligence Investments and Financial Risks
Prof. Dr. Daron Acemoğlu stated that the amount of capital channeled into artificial intelligence is expected to exceed 3 trillion dollars by 2032.
The economist drew attention to potential risks, noting that these massive investments are financed through borrowing and financial instruments rather than corporate profits.
Risk of Collapse and Inequality Warning
It was emphasized that if the expected returns fail to materialize, investors withdrawing could give rise to the risk of an artificial intelligence crash.
Additionally, it was stated that if the generated returns are funneled to a narrow circle of entrepreneurs, a deep picture of inequality between capital and labor could emerge.
Worker-Friendly Artificial Intelligence Approach
It was stated that artificial intelligence must be moved beyond being merely a tool for automation.
It was conveyed that shifting toward a worker-friendly artificial intelligence understanding that complements human labor is important.
Opportunities for Turkey and Developing Countries
Attention was drawn to the difficulty of competing at the foundational model layer for developing countries.
It was stated that countries like Turkey, Indonesia, Mexico, and Brazil can seize the primary opportunity at the application layer.