AI Payoff Needs Education and Healthcare

The author argues the AI boom will only deliver large economic returns if it measurably improves K–12/college learning and lowers health‑care costs while raising quality. A flood of new apps or games won’t move the macro needle; the decisive test is impact in these 'commanding heights' sectors. — This sets a clear benchmark for AI policy and investment—judge success by outcomes in education and health rather than app counts or model benchmarks.

Sources

Perspective on AI

Arnold Kling 2025.09.23 86% relevant

Kling says the economic impact of AI 'depends on how well it does in the sectors of education and health care' and flags both as ripe for disruption if LLMs deliver productivity—directly echoing the existing idea’s benchmark for AI success.

AI and Software Productivity

Arnold Kling 2025.09.06 100% relevant

Kling: 'the AI revolution stands or falls on whether it makes a difference in education and health care,' invoking his 'New Commanding Heights' framing.