Research & Insights

Predistribution AI Lab Discussion Paper Series - Part III: Driver Equity Transition Stakes (DETS) A Predistributive Prototype for AI and Automation-Driven Worker Displacement

This discussion paper, the third in PDI's Predistribution AI Lab series offers a specific prototype of an intervention designed for rideshare drivers in the context of autonomous vehicles (AVs). A three-pillar structure is proposed to offer ongoing cash incomes, equity participation in AV platforms, and diversified investment accounts to displaced and working drivers. The model offers foundational proposals to be further refined with stakeholders and can be adapted to other contexts, including communities hosting infrastructure and natural resource projects and content creators whose intellectual, creative, and personal capital is being used to train AI. We highlight the importance of living wages (incomes) for those who continue to work, as well as freedom of association and collective bargaining. We also compare the proposals we offer to those already on the table, from universal basic income (UBI), to sovereign wealth funds (SWFs), to purpose trusts and beyond, and evaluate pros and cons of various approaches.