This Week in Business

Patrick Harker, former Philadelphia Federal Reserve President, and current Rowan Distinguished Professor at the Wharton School, shares his perspective on interest rates, inflation risks, labor force dynamics, and the critical role of maintaining Fed independence in shaping the U.S. economy.

Stefano Puntoni, Wharton Marketing Professor and Co-Director of the Wharton Human AI Research Program, explores the evolving strategies behind monetizing AI platforms, the implications of sponsored chatbots for consumer trust, and the critical role of energy efficiency in ensuring AI’s sustainable future.

Jeremy Siegel, Wharton Emeritus Professor of Finance and WisdomTree Chief Economist, shares his perspective on the Federal Reserve’s policy direction, the potential for rate cuts, the impact of tariffs, labor market dynamics, and the critical importance of central bank independence.

David Musto, Wharton Finance Professor and Director of the Stevens Center for Innovation in Finance, explores the importance of teaching financial literacy to students, the progress made in recent years, and why early education in personal finance is essential for preparing future citizens and voters.

Gideon Nave, Wharton Associate Professor of Marketing, discusses his research on the role of AI tools like ChatGPT in creative problem-solving, examining how they can boost individual innovation while also raising concerns about homogenization of ideas across society.

Lori Rosenkopf, Management Professor and Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship at the Wharton School, discusses the value of introducing entrepreneurship in high school curricula, highlighting how it builds critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills that prepare students for future challenges in business and beyond.

Lindsey Cameron, Wharton Assistant Professor of Management, examines Uber’s pilot program allowing women drivers and passengers to avoid pairing with men, exploring its implications for safety, driver availability, consumer trust, and the future of ride-hailing services.

Hamsa Bastani, Associate Professor of Operations, Information, and Decisions at the Wharton School, examines the opportunities and risks of integrating AI into K–12 education, emphasizing the need for foundational skills, guardrails, and human connection to ensure technology enhances—rather than undermines—student learning and motivation.

Kent Smetters, Faculty Director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model, discusses recent research revealing how deportation—especially over long periods—can lower GDP and reduce wages for high-skilled workers, challenging assumptions about who truly benefits or suffers from such policies.