Around the time that MIT economist Daron Acemoglu became one of AI’s most prominent hype-busters, he also won a Nobel Prize.

While those two things are not directly related, Acemoglu says there’s a common thread. Acemoglu and his co-laureates, Simon Johnson and James Robinson, were recognized for their research on how societies with extractive political systems are less prosperous over time than those that emphasize individual rights. Likewise, Acemoglu believes there will be limited financial return from AI that aims to replace human judgment.

“We need investment for alternative approaches to AI, and alternative technologies, those that I would say are more centered on making workers more productive, and providing better information to workers,” Acemoglu says.