OpenAI Economic Research Exchange Launch

OpenAI has launched the the OpenAI Economic Research Exchange, a platform designed to facilitate structured, project-based collaborations between external researchers and OpenAI Economic Research. This initiative aims to produce credible, independent empirical evidence on how AI is transforming workers, firms, institutions, and the broader economy.

Technical Approach and Collaboration Model

The Economic Research Exchange operates as a project-based collaboration model where selected researchers conduct scoped projects with defined milestones and strict data governance. The program focuses on utilizing OpenAI tools and datasets to extend research beyond traditional datasets, allowing for more rigorous empirical research grounded in real-world evidence.

Selection Criteria for Proposals

Proposals are evaluated based on the following five criteria:

• Methodological rigor: The quality of the empirical approach.
• Feasibility: The practical ability to execute the project.
• Fit with Exchange priorities: Alignment with the goal of producing evidence on AI's economic impacts.
• Clear milestones: The project timeline and deliverables.
• Potential for external evidence: The ability to contribute credible, independent evidence to the public record.

Target Research Areas and Expertise

OpenAI is seeking proposals from researchers with expertise in applied causal inference, measurement, and specific economic fields including:

• Labor economics and productivity
• Education and entrepreneurship
• Public finance and regional economics
• Development and inequality
• Firm-level analysis and institutions

Data Governance and Privacy

Research conducted through the Exchange is governed by careful scoping and review processes. OpenAI emphasizes that the use of OpenAI tools and datasets must be maintained under clear safeguards for user privacy and responsible data use, ensuring that research is privacy-protected and carefully governed.

Context and Timeline

This initiative builds upon existing efforts to improve the measurement of AI's economic effects, such as OpenAI Signals. The goal is to provide a more robust evidence base for policymakers, businesses, and the public during a period of rapid technological change.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: July 5, 2026
• Notification Date: Selected researchers will be notified by July 31, 2026