Mark Muro
- Senior Fellow and Policy Director, Metropolitan Policy Program, Brookings Institution
Washington, D.C.
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Senior fellow and policy director, Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings. Interested in innovation, regions, the clean economy and lots of other stuff
Articles by Mark Muro
States at the wheel: A state policy scorecard on electric vehicle readiness
After a period of intensive policy support, the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) market now faces an uncertain and fragmented policy environment, with likely consequences for efforts to reduce tailpipe-sourced air pollution. Up until the early 2020s, federal policy sought to reduce vehicle tailpipe emissions in the transportation sector by creating strong incentives for EV manufacturing and adoption through tax credits and infrastructure spending.
The political geography of AI exposure
The “techlash” against artificial intelligence is spreading, driven by workers’ fears of the technology’s potential to disrupt their jobs and upend their livelihoods. While such fears appear to be widespread, a closer understanding of where AI-exposed workers are concentrated and what political party they align with can be illuminating, as AI policy is poised to play an important role in this November’s elections. Yet research on AI’s “political geography” is narrow.
The political geography of AI exposure
The “techlash” against artificial intelligence is spreading, driven by workers’ fears of the technology’s potential to disrupt their jobs and upend their livelihoods. While such fears appear to be widespread, a closer understanding of where AI-exposed workers are concentrated and what political party they align with can be illuminating, as AI policy is poised to play an important role in this November’s elections. Yet research on AI’s “political geography” is narrow.
How AI may reshape career pathways to better jobs
Debates about artificial intelligence (AI) and the labor market have largely focused on the future of college graduates and on which individual occupations will be disrupted. Far less attention is being paid to how AI will reshape economic mobility for workers without four-year degrees and across groups of jobs rather than individual jobs.
How the U.S. can maintain its edge in AI without leaving workers behind
On March 3, 2025, Senior Fellow Mark Muro testified before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Science, Manufacturing, and Competitiveness. Muro’s testimony stressed the importance of embracing the ability of artificial intelligence (AI) to expand human expertise, while addressing valid fears about its powers. Ultimately, he said, the goal must be to keep the technology pro-human and pro-community.
Turning the data center boom into long-term, local prosperity
The AI goldrush roars on. Hyperscalers like Google and artificial intelligence (AI) upstarts like OpenAI continue to pour massive sums into building gargantuan data centers, often in small- and medium-sized communities. As the deals proliferate, concerns are rising about the huge amounts of electricity and water required to keep the centers running.
Turning the data center boom into long-term, local prosperity
The AI goldrush roars on. Hyperscalers like Google and artificial intelligence (AI) upstarts like OpenAI continue to pour massive sums into building gargantuan data centers, often in small- and medium-sized communities. As the deals proliferate, concerns are rising about the huge amounts of electricity and water required to keep the centers running.
Measuring US workers’ capacity to adapt to AI-driven job displacement
Introduction Extensive research has investigated the “exposure” of occupations to artificial intelligence (AI). While definitions vary, studies using exposure measures seek to estimate the extent to which AI systems can help complete the work tasks of different jobs. But these measures are not predictions of job displacement. Rather, they provide signals about where AI’s complex labor market effects are most likely to emerge first.
Has the CHIPS Act created jobs?
The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 included funds for billions of dollars in federal investments in U.S.-based manufacturing, a major landmark in the history of America’s industrial policy. While the full impacts of such a large bill will take years to reveal themselves, new research shows that firms have already responded to the CHIPS Act, with increases of roughly 15,000 new jobs in semiconductor production-related jobs attributable to the law.
Building greater resilience and capacity in the US national security industrial base
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Building greater resilience and capacity in the US national security industrial base
In the current policy landscape, virtually every stakeholder—from federal agencies to industry groups—calls for classifying a widening swath of economic activity as “national security.” The impulse to broaden what counts as critical has gained momentum not only with each new global disruption, but also with each new report highlighting U.S. exposure to China in key sectors, making “national security” a catchall for fears that range from supply interruptions to cyber threats.
Bill Fulton Talks Legacy Cities With Brookings' Mark Muro and Syracuse's Rob SImpson
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AI seems everywhere, but regional readiness is uneven
Artificial intelligence (AI) has surged into the economy as a “general purpose” technology with revolutionary implications. Big Tech is piling on, data centers are being announced weekly, and tech seers of all stripes are certain AI will deliver unprecedented productivity gains for people, firms, and places. And maybe it will. However, AI’s diffusion into the economy may not prove as wide-ranging as imagined.
Mapping the AI economy: Which regions are ready for the next technology leap
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Mapping the AI economy: Which regions are ready for the next technology leap
Artificial intelligence has emerged as a general purpose technology with far-reaching consequences for industries, places, and people. AI systems promise to drive productivity by automating routine tasks or augmenting work, allowing humans to focus on higher-value activities. The technology is also accelerating the pace of discovery and innovation by analyzing vast datasets and identifying patterns humans might miss.
Mapping the AI economy: Which regions are ready for the next technology leap
Artificial intelligence has emerged as a general purpose technology with far-reaching consequences for industries, places, and people. AI systems promise to drive productivity by automating routine tasks or augmenting work, allowing humans to focus on higher-value activities. The technology is also accelerating the pace of discovery and innovation by analyzing vast datasets and identifying patterns humans might miss.
How can policymakers help communities left behind by globalization and automation?
It’s not so much a question of policy design. It’s matching the right design to the places in need and then resourcing those efforts in the appropriate way. Gordon Hanson In this episode of Metro Blueprint, experts discuss ways to address the regional economic consequences of globalization.
The geography of generative AI’s workforce impacts will likely differ from those of previous technologies
As the generative AI race heats up, it’s important to examine where in the U.S. the technology might boost or harm workers, or if place even matters. Last fall, Brookings published a report looking at possible patterns of AI involvement in the labor market, focusing on how generative AI appears set to intersect with particular occupations, regardless of their location.
China’s retaliatory tariffs will hurt Trump-voting counties most
Editor's note: This report was updated on February 10, 2025 to reference Noble County, Oklahoma rather than Noble County, Ohio. Most of the discussion around President Donald Trump’s volley of tariff threats this week has centered on their potential impact on consumer prices and inflation. While price increases are a real concern, another impact involves the fact that regional economies (and the local jobs there) are frequently caught in the middle of trade disputes, though not equally.
In one of his final actions, Biden urges continued help for left-behind places
President Donald Trump signed an avalanche of executive orders on his first day in office, consuming policymakers’ and the media’s attention. Meanwhile, former President Joe Biden’s very last executive order on economic policy—issued on January 19, the last full day of his tenure—has gone relatively unnoticed. Yet Biden’s order—on “helping left-behind communities make a comeback”—merits attention.
The future of the US digital economy depends on equitable access to its jobs
Over the past several years, emerging technologies such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) have dominated headlines, while industrial strategies centered on technologies such as semiconductors have become central to U.S. economic policymaking.
The AI Revolution Is Coming for Your Non-Union Job
Computer Science 4 hours ago Runway AI video gets a big upgrade — 5 prompts to try it out Tom's Guide - By Ryan Morrison • 4h Runway is my favorite artificial intelligence video generator. It has a flexible range of features, options, and capabilities in addition to an … Cooking 22 hours ago The Surprising Way Pro Chefs Tell When Steak Is Done Cooking CNET - Pamela Vachon • 22h You just need three fingers to nail your next steak or burger.
The AI Revolution Is Coming for Your Non-Union Job
October 10, 2024 at 6:06 AM Michael Nigro—Pacific Press/LightRocket/Getty Images Credit - The American Federation of Musicians (AFM), a union representing over 70,000 musicians across the entertainment industry, rallies outside of Rockefeller Center on Sept. 4, 2024 in New York, N.Y., as negotiations begin for a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
Generative AI, the American worker, and the future of work
The launch of ChatGPT-3.5 at the end of 2022 captured the world’s attention and illustrated the uncanny ability of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to produce a range of seemingly human-generated content, including text, video, audio, images, and code.
Finding a long-term place for 'place-based' development strategy
The watershed legislation of the Biden years continues to loom large as the Biden administration winds down. Most conspicuously, the administration’s major spending bills—the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Chips and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)—stand out for their sheer size. Together, the bills loom historically large and account for some $3.8 trillion in outlays aimed at modernizing the U.S. economy.
The case for promoting the geographic and social diffusion of AI development
Last fall, we argued that the AI sector—especially large language model (LLM) activity—is being driven by concentrated research, modeling, and design work occurring in just a handful of “superstar” tech centers along the coasts: the Bay Area, Seattle, New York, and Boston. In that piece, we suggested that such concentration is a negative force in shaping AI development and, more broadly, U.S. economic growth.
‘Place-based industrial strategy’ responds to past and future industrial and labor market shocks
In a January speech at Brookings, National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard mentioned two prime motivations of the Biden-Harris administration’s “place-based industrial strategy.” According to Brainard, such strategies should not just alleviate the “downward spiral of disinvestment” experienced by communities suffering from past or current industry shocks—they also should seek to fortify economies at high risk of future disruption. The motivation for backward-looking investment is clear.
Going to the next level: Enhancing America’s Seed Fund for regional and social inclusion
Underrepresented people and places seem to be missing out on two federal programs that seek to boost technological innovation among small businesses. Together billed as America’s Seed Fund, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and its companion Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program are managed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and delivered in collaboration with federal agencies.
How the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource can pilot inclusive AI
Though the impacts of AI research and development (R&D) may be like nothing seen before, its path appears strikingly similar to the early development of previous digital technologies such as smartphones or virtual reality. From patents to job postings, the heavy concentration of early AI activities in a few major tech hubs has reinforced a strong and geographically uneven “superstar” dynamic (see map 1).
New Tech Hub investments aim to unleash diverse regional tech clusters
Today, after an exhaustive multi-year development and award process, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced implementation awards for the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program (Tech Hubs). Starting now, these Hubs are the newest focal points for the nation’s recent efforts to boost high-potential tech clusters in new places.
Seizing the moment for place-based economic policy
As federal policymakers seek to strengthen national competitiveness in key strategic sectors and technologies, they are increasingly recognizing that locally led solutions are a critical path for spurring technology-led growth, mitigating climate change, strengthening national security, and addressing economic, racial, and geographic inequities.
A $250 Billion Bet on America’s Workforce
T he Brookings Institution’s Martha Ross and Mark Muro in January 2024 examined “How federal, state, and local leaders can leverage the CHIPS and Science Act as a landmark workforce opportunity.” Their comprehensive breakdown is worth a close read by business leaders too. By special arrangement, we present here an adapted excerpt of their report.
Financing transformation: How to sustain place-based economic development beyond early federal awards
Next week, 31 recently designated Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) regions will submit applications for sizable place-based industrial development awards from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). Authorized through the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, the awards are intended to accelerate regional technology ecosystems that have the potential to become “globally competitive” within 10 years.
Beyond federal grants: Sustaining place-based economic development when the appropriations dwindle
Next week, 31 recently designated Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) regions will submit applications for sizable place-based industrial development awards from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). Authorized through the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, the awards are intended to accelerate regional technology ecosystems that have the potential to become “globally competitive” within 10 years.
CHIPS and Science Act programs are writing a new story about the Rust Belt
Editor's note: This piece was updated on February 12, 2024 with an additional Tech Hubs designee. The U.S. is beginning to roll out striking instances of place-based industrial policy—a good amount of it focused on federal investment in heartland geographies still making a spotty transition from their “old” industrial economy to a new tech-driven model.
With its winners announced, the Regional Innovation Engines program moves to expand place-based R&D
Last week, National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard traveled to Brookings to articulate the nation’s new embrace of “place-based” policy—an economic agenda that pursues national goals through geographically targeted investments. This week, the nation’s top driver of scientific progress—the National Science Foundation (NSF)—provided an example of what such policy can look like. On Monday, the NSF announced the winners of its Regional Innovation Engines program.
In a Brookings speech, National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard champions place-based policy
Much of the focus on President Joe Biden’s economic agenda has been on its large-scale investments in infrastructure, semiconductor factories, green energy, worker training, and more. Less recognized, however, is one of the most distinctive features of that agenda: its strong geographic focus. Which is why it was timely that National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard traveled to Brookings on Monday to explain the new approach.
John D. Skrentny: STEM education doesn't deliver on its promises
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How federal, state, and local leaders can leverage the CHIPS and Science Act as a landmark workforce opportunity
The national security establishment knows last year’s $250 billion CHIPS and Science Act mostly for its bold subsidies to encourage firms to build new semiconductor plants and thus compete with China on industrial strategy. Researchers and technology leaders, meanwhile, regard the legislation as the nation’s most significant innovation bill in decades, given its authorization of higher spending targets for the nation’s innovation ecosystem.
Nathan Benefield: Gov. Shapiro wants unilateral power to commit the state to climate agreements
During a recent black-tie affair in a Manhattan ballroom, Gov. Josh Shapiro encouraged Pennsylvania lawmakers to embrace bipartisanship. “It doesn’t just last a weekend, and it can happen in Pennsylvania, not just in New York City,” Shapiro said.
Tech jobs are finally spreading out, spurred by private investment and federal initiatives
For years, tech optimists and regional leaders have hoped for what AOL co-founder Steve Case calls the “the rise of the rest”—the growth of substantial tech ecosystems far from the Bay Area and into the “rest” of the country. However, it wasn’t really happening. Or at least, it wasn’t happening in terms of cities’ shares of the national tech industry. Tech was instead concentrating even more in a short list of well-established “superstar” tech employment hubs.
What the new Tech Hubs designations mean for boosting innovation across the US Original
By mid-August, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) had received 379 applications from 48 states for Phase 1 of its Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) competition, which seeks to boost tech clusters in diverse places and accelerate equitable growth and competitiveness. Now, the agency has announced some winners. This week, the Biden administration designated 31 winning regions that will receive support and possible investment to scale-up their local advanced industries.
Mark Muro and Robert Maxim: What Pennsylvania needs to do to create growth and jobs
Pennsylvania has been slow to convert its considerable assets into abundant, high-quality economic growth. Powerhouse research universities are working on the most critical issues of the day in the life sciences, artificial intelligence, robotics, transportation, space, and energy. Breakout companies like Pittsburgh’s Astrobotic are making headlines and garnering major investments. And the diversity of the state’s cities and rural areas contributes to a rich capacity for community-based innovation.
An Agenda for Revitalizing Pennsylvania’s Economic Dynamism
With Gov. Josh Shapiro committed to ensuring that Pennsylvania becomes “a national leader” in innovation and economic development, the time has come for the commonwealth to make that pledge a reality. Pennsylvania has all the assets it needs to lead innovation-driven growth. Powerhouse research universities are working on the most critical issues of the day in the life sciences, artificial intelligence, robotics, transportation, space, and energy.
New data shows that without intervention, generative AI jobs will continue to cluster in the same big tech hubs
As the generative AI goldrush continues, entrepreneurs, investors, and tech thinkers are forecasting its winners. Some believe that for once, small and geographically diverse firms and startups—rather than Big Tech and its usual coastal hubs—will prevail. And indeed, a new generation of AI applications powered by large language models (LLMs) is rapidly spreading across the internet, hastened by licensing deals with firms such as OpenAI and the use of open-source software.
The nation’s advanced industries are falling behind, but place-based strategies can help them catch up
Now that the federal government has—for the moment—embraced what Brookings Metro calls “place-based industrial policy,” it’s important to remember why it’s doing so. Above all, place-based industrial strategies are a mechanism for getting more leverage on urgent economic problems, whether it’s geopolitical competition, climate change, or inequality. Yet equally high on the list of such critical problems is the imperative of boosting vitality in the nation’s “advanced industry” clusters.
The Recompete Pilot Program can help rebuild distressed places—if policymakers properly fund it | Brookings
As politicians and pundits debate the merits of “Bidenomics,” one part of the administration’s economic strategy deserves special attention: the significant investments in “place-based” policies designed to boost growth in particular locations. Among these new investments is the Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program, authorized in the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act. This initiative is aimed at funding distressed local labor markets to bolster their prime-age (25- to 54-year-olds) employment rates.
Building AI cities: How to spread the benefits of an emerging technology across more of America
Dramatic advances in generative artificial intelligence (AI) have touched off intense debates about who will “win” the rush to deploy these technologies. Much has been written about AI’s potential to displace millions of workers, but leaders across the country also see the emerging technology as an opportunity to boost the productivity and dynamism of their regional economies.
Crypto crashes and job slashes: Lessons for local leaders on building an innovation ecosystem
As recently as last year, it seemed that everyone was talking about cryptocurrencies—from celebrities and athletes to news anchors and investors. Even elected officials were getting in on the action, as local governments turned to cryptocurrencies as a solution to job growth, income inequality, and more. But today, the crypto hype cycle is over (although bitcoin has seen gains in recent days).
The bold vision of the CHIPS and Science Act isn’t getting the funding it needs
The legislative accomplishments of the previous session of Congress have given advocates of more robust innovation and industrial development investments much to be excited about.
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