AI Spurs Calls for Wider Economic Ownership

Business leaders, politicians, and Pope Leo XIV are advocating for an “ownership economy” where workers share in the wealth generated by artificial intelligence. For years, wealth has accumulated in assets, not wages, and the rise of AI is prompting discussion about how to distribute its benefits more broadly. Proposals range from worker capital and retraining credits funded by AI investments to national trust funds distributing innovation dividends.

Several companies are already experimenting with employee ownership models. Samsung agreed to share 10.5% of profits from its AI chip business with employees, while Walmart introduced stock grants for store managers. The Clinton Policy Institute and KKR are exploring financing options for employee buyouts of private companies and scaling employee ownership within portfolio companies.

The goal is to create a new social contract where corporate profits and worker participation reinforce each other, but questions remain about ensuring meaningful work and accessible retraining.