Journal of Economic Literature
ISSN 0022-0515 (Print) | ISSN 2328-8175 (Online)
Generative AI for Economic Research: Use Cases and Implications for Economists
Journal of Economic Literature
(pp. 1281–1317)
See new supplemental update: AI Agents for Economic Research: August 2025 Update to "Generative AI for Economic Research: Use Cases and Implications for Economists," Published in the Journal of Economic Literature 61 (4)
Abstract
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize research. I analyze how large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT can assist economists by describing dozens of use cases in six areas: ideation and feedback, writing, background research, data analysis, coding, and mathematical derivations. I provide general instructions and demonstrate specific examples of how to take advantage of each of these, classifying the LLM capabilities from experimental to highly useful. I argue that economists can reap significant productivity gains by taking advantage of generative AI to automate micro-tasks. Moreover, these gains will grow as the performance of AI systems continues to improve. I also speculate on the longer-term implications of AI-powered cognitive automation for economic research. The online resources associated with this paper explain how to get started and will provide regular updates on the latest capabilities of generative AI in economics.Citation
Korinek, Anton. 2023. "Generative AI for Economic Research: Use Cases and Implications for Economists." Journal of Economic Literature 61 (4): 1281–1317. DOI: 10.1257/jel.20231736Additional Materials
- Supplemental Appendix
- Author Disclosure Statement(s)
- AI Agents for Economic Research: August 2025 Update to "Generative AI for Economic Research: Use Cases and Implications for Economists," Published in the Journal of Economic Literature 61 (4)
- LLMs Learn to Collaborate and Reason: December 2024 Update to "Generative AI for Economic Research: Use Cases and Implications for Economists," Published in the Journal of Economic Literature 61 (4)
- LLMs Level Up鈥擝etter, Faster, Cheaper: June 2024 Update to Section 3 of "Generative AI for Economic Research: Use Cases and Implications for Economists," Published in the Journal of Economic Literature 61 (4)
JEL Classification
- A11 Role of Economics; Role of Economists; Market for Economists
- C45 Neural Networks and Related Topics
- D83 Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
- I23 Higher Education; Research Institutions
- O33 Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes