OpenAI Economic Research Exchange Launches to Fund Independent AI Impact Studies OpenAI has officially launched the OpenAI Economic Research Exchange, a new initiative designed to fund and structure independent, high-impact research into the economic consequences of artificial intelligence. The platform aims to move beyond anecdotal evidence by facilitating structured, project-based collaborations between external academics and OpenAI research divisions. The Exchange will provide selected researchers with governed access to OpenAI tools and proprietary datasets to investigate how AI reshapes labor markets, corporate productivity, institutional frameworks, and broader economic indicators. Researchers will focus on applied causal inference, measurement methodologies, labor economics, entrepreneurship, public finance, regional development, and inequality. All projects must adhere to strict data governance protocols and user privacy safeguards to ensure responsible information handling. Funding and collaboration structures will feature defined milestones, clear scope boundaries, and formal review processes. OpenAI is prioritizing proposals that demonstrate methodological rigor, practical feasibility, alignment with Exchange priorities, and the capacity to generate credible external evidence. The initiative expands upon existing efforts such as OpenAI Signals, collectively working to build a transparent, empirically grounded evidence base for policymakers, business leaders, and the academic community. Applications are now open and will remain accepted until July 5, 2026. The selection committee will evaluate submissions based on scientific methodology, data governance plans, and projected economic impact. Final announcements regarding funded researchers are scheduled for July 31, 2026. Interested academics and research institutions can review the official Request for Proposals, submit applications through the designated portal, or direct inquiries to [email protected]. This structured funding model positions OpenAI to systematically document AI macroeconomic and microeconomic effects, providing decision-makers with reliable data to navigate rapid technological integration.