Anthropic announces ‘Anthropic Institute’ to study AI risks and impact on society

On March 11, Anthropic unveiled the Anthropic Institute, a dedicated research organization focused on examining the societal, economic, and legal implications of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This initiative comes on the heels of the startup's expectations for significant advancements in AI over the next two years. In a recent blog post, Anthropic highlighted the rapid pace of AI development, stating, "AI progress has moved incredibly quickly," and predicted even more significant breakthroughs in the near future. The Anthropic Institute aims to investigate the effects of powerful AI on employment, global economies, and various risks on a worldwide scale. Additionally, it will delve into critical issues such as AI ethics, governance, and the potential for self-improving systems. Jack Clark, co-founder of Anthropic, will take the helm of the Anthropic Institute as its director while also serving as the company's Head of Public Benefit. The team is set to include machine learning engineers, economists, and social scientists, and will integrate three existing research groups within Anthropic: Frontier Red Team, Societal Impacts, and Economic Research. To enhance its capabilities, the institute has recruited several notable researchers, including Matt Botvinick, who will lead initiatives concerning AI's intersection with legal systems. Economist Anton Korinek will investigate how transformative AI might alter economic activities, while Zoë Hitzig will work on connecting economic insights with the training and development of AI models. The Anthropic Institute is poised to utilize Anthropic's existing data and insights to identify both the threats and opportunities presented by AI technologies. The organization plans to share its findings with researchers and the public, facilitating a better understanding of the rapid changes associated with advanced AI. This transparency aims to help society prepare for the challenges posed by these transformative technologies. In addition to the institute's launch, Anthropic is also broadening its public policy efforts, including opening its first office in Washington, D.C., this spring. Sarah Heck has been appointed as the Head of Public Policy, bringing her experience from the White House National Security Council, where she led global entrepreneurship and public diplomacy policy. The company is also looking to expand its team with additional talent in analytical and research roles.