The Digester
technology

Leaders call for a 'Manhattan Project' to manage AI and jobs

Business leaders at a Just Capital event urged a nationwide public private effort to reskill workers and prevent social strain as AI accelerates, while polls show public optimism mixed with demands for protection and oversight.

Apr 3rd 2026 · United States

Insights

  • CEOs and nonprofit leaders proposed a large public private program to reskill workers and address AI driven job disruption.
  • A Just Capital poll of 2,012 Americans found more optimism about AI benefits in health, education, and engineering than fear of workforce disruption.
  • Consumers demand data protection, human oversight, and safeguards against harm, deception, or manipulation from companies using AI.
  • Business is the most trusted institution to manage AI risks, according to the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer.
  • Leaders warned rapid AI adoption could trigger social backlash without coordinated reskilling and fair distribution of productivity gains.

Sources