Could Machine Learning be a General-Purpose Technology? Evidence from Online Job Postings

Abstract

�In this paper, we provide an approach to identifying a general-purpose technology before it has widely diffused, so that the classification can be used to inform decisions about technology adoption. Using data from online job postings, we compare machine learning to eight other emerging technologies in terms of breadth of industries with job postings, the importance and breadth of research roles, and the costs of innovation in organizational practices.