Daniel Bjorkegren Headshot

Daniel Björkegren

Assistant Professor of International and Public Affairs


Personal Details

Focus Areas: Development Economics, Machine Learning, Technology

Daniel Björkegren works on digital transformation and applied machine learning, with a focus on developing economies. He works on methods to make algorithms more humane: robust, transparent, and better aligned with societal values. He has worked on policy in network industries, and digital credit scoring for people excluded from traditional banking. His field work has mostly been in Rwanda, Kenya, and Nigeria. He previously worked at Microsoft, where he coded the photo app for the company’s first smartphone and later returned as a visiting researcher. He also taught high school along the Texas-Mexico border through Teach for America.

Education

  • PhD in Economics, Harvard University
  • MA in Economics, Stanford University
  • MPP, Harvard Kennedy School
  • BS in Physics, University of Washington

In The Media

Meet the SIPA Community

The grants are designed to support projects pursuing basic social science inquiry, policy related research, or innovative teaching initiatives.

May 16 2024

Daniel Björkegren said “developing countries have gaping shortages of skilled workers” and AI could “ease this shortfall.”

Jan 30 2024
The Economist
Technology & Innovation

Daniel Björkegren (with coauthor Joshua Blumenstock) writes that AI must be carefully adapted to benefit the poor, citing research in Kenya, Togo, and Sierra Leone.

Dec 01 2023
IMF Finance & Development
Technology & Innovation

Daniel Björkegren spoke with BBC Newsday about the possible benefits of AI for the developing world. (Audio begins at 48:15.)

Nov 03 2023
BBC
Inclusive Prosperity

Daniel Björkegren writes about how to harness the power of AI in the developing world.



 

Aug 11 2023
Foreign Affairs