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The Redlands Forum on March 12 featured Dr. Johannes Moenius, a University of Redlands economist, who explored AI’s evolving role in technology and the economy. (Photo: Dave Card)
REDLANDS, Calif. — Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, economies, and daily life, bringing both opportunities and challenges. The latest Redlands Forum featured Dr. Johannes Moenius, a University of Redlands economist, who explored AI’s evolving role in a presentation titled The AI Revolution is Here: Opportunities, Challenges, Threats—and How to Prepare for Them. The event took place March 12 at Esri’s auditorium.
Moenius, a professor of global business and director of the Institute for Spatial Economic Analysis, began by acknowledging the vast reach of AI’s influence.
“Last night, I realized this topic is far too big for any one person to fully cover,” he said. “So instead, I want to explore how to think about it—focusing on a single day that changed everything and what it means from an economist’s perspective.”
That transformative moment, he explained, occurred on November 30, 2022, with the public release of ChatGPT. “Suddenly, the world witnessed something groundbreaking—an innovation that left everyone in awe.”
Moenius shared how ChatGPT and other AI technologies have changed his own approach to teaching. “After ChatGPT’s release, it became clear that something fundamentally different was now accessible to everyone. As a communicator, I felt an obligation to integrate these new technologies into my classroom, helping students become more productive and better prepared for the future.”
Throughout his talk, Moenius examined AI’s role in fostering innovation and economic growth while also disrupting job markets and society. He highlighted the need to balance AI’s benefits with the challenges it poses.
“AI creates immense opportunities, but it also presents challenges that will reshape how we work and live,” he said. “Understanding these changes is crucial as we prepare for this new era.”
Drawing on his research in automation, technology platforms, and institutional economics, Moenius offered insights on how individuals, businesses, and policymakers can navigate AI’s rapid evolution. He emphasized adaptation, ethical considerations, and strategic planning as key to maximizing AI’s potential while mitigating risks.
Moenius holds the William R. and S. Sue Johnson Endowed Chair of Spatial Economic Analysis and Regional Planning at the University of Redlands. He also directs International Business Initiatives at the School of Business & Society. A faculty member since 2005, he has taught courses on international business and economic policy and previously held positions at the Kellogg School of Management and the University of Tokyo.
Originally from Germany, Moenius studied management science at Bamberg University and earned a Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, San Diego. His research explores the impact of legal and technical institutions on international trade, the dynamics of comparative advantage, and the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in economic analysis. His work has appeared in The Review of Economics and Statistics, Japan and the World Economy, and the International Journal of Industrial Organization, among other publications.
As AI continues to evolve, discussions like this help communities understand its impact on work, business, and society. The Redlands Forum, presented by Esri, the University of Redlands, and Town and Gown, brings thought leaders to the community to explore pressing global issues.
