Steve Brown & Michael Naef
Dr. Steve Brown and Professor Michael Naef on AI, Jobs, and the Future of Universities
Episode 01:AI, Jobs and the New Industrial Policy
In this Durham Policy Dialogue Series conversation, Michael Naef and Steve Brown discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping jobs, skills, and economic policy. The discussion explores why workers need training, how societies adapt to new technologies, and why governments may need a new industrial policy for the AI age.
Episode 02:Universities as Trusted Partners in the AI Age
Steve Brown explains how universities can help organisations understand artificial intelligence, manage ethical risks, and respond to rapid technological change. The conversation highlights the role of executive education, professional training, micro-credentials, and universities as trusted institutions in uncertain times.
Episode 03:Students, Skills and AI in the Classroom
Michael Naef reflects on how students may judge the value of university education in the AI age. He discusses jobs, transferable skills, networks, AI use in learning, and why future graduates will need both subject knowledge and the ability to work effectively with artificial intelligence.
Episode 04:Will AI Make Inequality Worse and Universities Redundant?
This discussion explores whether artificial intelligence will reduce poverty or deepen inequality across countries and within societies. Michael Naef reflects on winners and losers in the AI economy, while Steve Brown explains why universities must innovate to remain relevant and useful.
Episode 05:Redesigning Universities for the AI Era
Steve Brown and Michael Naef discuss how universities should change for the future. The conversation covers collaboration between institutions, stronger links with society and business, fewer bureaucratic barriers, and faster responses to social and technological needs.