Research Assistant: The Impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Business, Organizations, and the Economy

Introduction to the topic

This research explores the integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) into business operations, evaluating its potential benefits and costs from both micro and macro perspectives. GAI has the potential to automate complex business tasks, enhance decision-making, and increase productivity, but its full impact requires rigorous investigation to understand its full potential.

This project offers the opportunity to work across fields like AI, IT, computing, engineering, economics, business, and work with AI technology, while collaborating with businesses, universities, and organizations. You will engage in tasks such as survey design, data collection, and case study development and through that gain practical experience in conducting research, analyzing data, and collaborating with experts from various disciplines.

Project details

The project will begin with a literature review of current AI technologies and their applications in businesses and organizations. This foundational understanding will guide subsequent stages, which involve designing and distributing surveys to businesses actively using or exploring GAI and interviews with key stakeholders to complement the survey data.

To contextualize the findings, case studies will be developed to illustrate real-world implications and find the benefits and challenges of adopting GAI. Ultimately, the research aims to inform practical strategies for businesses and contribute to academic discussions on GAI’s role in business and economics.

The research project will begin as a summer research opportunity and extend over several semesters. Each term will be structured around specific tasks, ensuring that you gain in-depth knowledge of the subject and develop research skills tailored to the objectives of that term.

Humlum, Anders and Vestergaard, Emilie. The Adoption of ChatGPT. University of Chicago, Becker Friedman Institute for Economics Working Paper No. 2024-50, April 25, 2024. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.480751 6
Catalini, C., Gans, J. S., & Goldfarb, A. (2019). Artificial intelligence: The ambiguous labor market impact of automating prediction. SSRN Electronic Journal. doi: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3341456
Iansiti, M., & Lakhani, K. R. (2024, November). What sets AI-driven companies apart. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2024/11/what-sets-ai-driven-companies-apart

Recommended experience

Basic knowledge of AI technologies, economics, and business operations will be very helpful for Research Assistants, as well as any prior experience with research.

Additional research application required

You will need to submit an additional research application through Student Registration in order to enroll in this course.

To submit your research application, you must already be admitted to DIS.

All research application materials must be submitted on the following dates by 23:59 Central European Time:

November 1 for spring semester applicants
May 1 for fall semester applicants

Complete your additional research application through Student Registration.

If you are not already enrolled, use this link to apply to DIS before completing a research application.

Syllabus

Fall 2025

Go to syllabus

Faculty

Array

Michael Hedegaard

Faculty

Michael Hedegaard is Associate Professor and Head of Studies of the IT and Economics study line at DTU – The Technical University of Denmark. He has a particular focus on how technology and innovation is transferred into sustainable business and development. Prior to DTU, he had more than 25 years of experience in international finance and business development on emerging markets and teaching experience from CBS and DIS. He is the author of “Globalisation and the International Economy”, “Strategic Investment and Finance” as well as two text books in Danish and a number of articles.

More information about your Research Assistantship

Learn more about research at DIS.

: Earning authorship within the course of a semester is challenging. Exceptional Research Assistants may be considered for co-authorship, subject to evaluation from the supervising Research Mentor.

Though you may not ultimately become an author on a published paper, you will gain many practical skills and insights into the publication process.

: Many research projects last across several semesters, so not all RAs on the same project will conduct the same research.

: On average, students in 3-credit Research Assistantships spend at least 10 hours a week on research tasks. These 10 hours per week consist of a variety of different research-related tasks, including conducting a literature review, data collection, analyses, coding, documentation, and meetings with your mentor. You may decide on a particular block of time (consistent each week) for you to carry out the work, or adjust it on a week-by-week basis.

Students in a 6-credit Research Assistantships spend an average of 20 hours per week with lab and clinically based research tasks. You decide the exact meeting and lab times with your supervisor, but your schedule consists of classes at DIS two days a week, with two days a week in the lab.

There may be peak times in the research process where all Research Assistant students are expected to spend a few more hours, and then possibly fewer hours another week – to reflect the individual research project and process.

: Work for the 3-credit Research Assistantships may take place outside DIS, on your own time at a location of your choosing, or at DIS – this varies from project to project. The 6-credit research assistantships generally take place at labs in Copenhagen or Stockholm outside DIS.

: Students with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the 3-credit Research Assistant course. While some courses do have prerequisites, many opportunities do not require prior research experience.

The 6-credit Research Assistant opportunity is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong science background within the field of interest and some basic research experience. The student must be willing to commit a large portion of their semester to an engaging opportunity involving hands-on research in universities and medical institutes in Copenhagen or Stockholm.

Introduction to the topic

Project details

View selected relevant publications

Recommended experience

Additional research application required

Syllabus

Fall 2025

Faculty

Michael Hedegaard

More information about your Research Assistantship

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What exactly will I do?

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