WHO GOVERNS THE AI BOOM?

Furman's framework distinguishes between AI challenges that warrant regulatory action and those where societal adaptation is more practical. Bioweapon development represents a clear case for government oversight, while labor market disruption may be better addressed through workforce programs and education rather than restrictive policies. The economist contends that policymakers must avoid treating all AI problems identically. Some risks require immediate regulatory guardrails; others benefit from industry self-correction and competition. This selective approach acknowledges both the genuine dangers AI poses and the innovation costs of overly rigid rules. Beyond technical and economic considerations, Furman frames the core AI governance debate as ultimately moral. Society must decide what values should guide AI development—a question that transcends economic analysis and reaches into fundamental questions about how technology should serve humanity. The analysis suggests that effective AI governance demands tailored solutions matching specific risks rather than universal mandates.