Few narratives in economics and social policy are as alarmist as the one about the penetration of automation and artificial intelligence into the workplace, especially in manufacturing. Craig Torres digs into the story and finds the automation paradox: The infusion of artificial intelligence, robotics and big data into the workplace is elevating human expertise. More than ever, we need human ingenuity to reinvent a process or rapidly solve problems in an emergency. Also, Stephanie and Bloomberg opinion’s Noah Smith discuss whether there are lessons to be found in the industrial revolution, and what the future of technology might look like. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Technology

Bloomberg’s head of economics Stephanie Flanders calls on Bloomberg's worldwide network of reporters and expert commentators to cast a fresh eye on looming challenges for the world economy which affect us all. This six-part podcast combines on-the-ground reporting with expert discussion on the future of cities, finance and technology, trade, global governance and making growth more inclusive. It's the start of a global conversation on how to confront these issues which will continue in Singapore in early November, when around 400 top business leaders and thinkers from across the globe will gather in Singapore for the first New Economy Forum.

News

The effects of unbridled urbanization are inescapable in India’s capital city. Jill Ward probes whether international urban growth will be a marvel or a mess, and discusses the possibilities with Stephanie and fellow Bloomberg reporter Jeanna Smialek. If managed badly, growth in cities could increase inequality and lead to social unrest. Success, on the other hand, requires lots and lots of construction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Urbanization

It's the equivalent of an economic arms race. In the decade since the global financial crisis, China has vaulted up the ranks of nations that control the world economy and directly challenge U.S. domination. The new paradigm will shape economic governance for decades to come. At stake: whether China bends to the values espoused by Western-led liberal democratic institutions -- or ends up remolding them. Enda Curran hits the streets of Hong Kong to figure out what’s going on. After, Stephanie sits down with Tom Orlik and Andrew Browne to chew over Enda’s findings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governance

A global patchwork of financial institutions has long handled the funds of big corporations. But those big corporate customers are losing patience with the banks, especially as they see consumer payment apps such as Alipay or Venmo make moving money look so easy. That's putting pressure on lenders to overhaul their corporate-payments systems or risk losing their grip on a lucrative business. Bloomberg’s Jennifer Surane reports from the streets of New York, and then sits down with Stephanie and Bloomberg Opinion writer Lionel Laurent to discuss the future of banking and FinTech. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Banking

A smaller number of companies are coming to dominate the U.S. and other advanced economies, gobbling up market share and making record profits. What's causing it, and how's that affecting you as a consumer, as a worker or as an entrepreneur? Chris Condon examines how market concentration may be eroding competition and the very dynamism of our economy. Plus, Stephanie sits down with Bloomberg Opinion writer Noah Smith to dissect just how worried we should be about this phenomenon, the threat of idea hoarding, and the underrated benefits of exports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Technology

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