Founded in 1943, the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is a public policy think tank based in Washington, D.C. working to defend human dignity, expand individual opportunity, and strengthen free enterprise. It was established by businessmen concerned about the growth of government economic controls during World War II as the American Enterprise Association, with a focus on promoting principles of free markets and limited government. Today, AEI scholars conduct independent research across a range of areas including economics, foreign and defense policy, education, and social welfare, aiming to elevate public debate and improve government policy through a "competition of ideas".

AEI is also a key participant in the dialogue surrounding the learn-and-work ecosystem, focusing on how education and workforce development must adapt to a rapidly changing economy, particularly due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). AEI advocates for market-oriented solutions, limited government intervention, and policies that empower individuals and employers to navigate the challenges of the modern labor market. Research emphasizes the need for a human capital strategy that aligns with technological innovation, ensuring workers have the skills to thrive in AI-augmented workplaces rather than resisting new technologies.

Examples of work:

• Supports "earn-and-learn" pathways like apprenticeships and work colleges, viewing them as valuable, debt-free alternatives to traditional four-year degrees that bridge the gap between education and employment needs.
• Collaborative research project with Stanford and New York University to connect disparate data sets to provide a clearer picture of evolving skill demands, allowing educational and training programs to be more responsive to labor market needs.
• Through the Workforce Futures Initiative, AEI produces actionable research for policymakers, encouraging innovation in career education and calling for the modernization of financial aid to cover short-term, non-degree programs that align with a lifelong learning approach.

Resources

American Enterprise Institute. (n.d.). Homepage. https://www.aei.org/

American Enterprise Institute. (n.d.). About. https://www.aei.org/about/

Manno, B. (2025, April 16). The Growth of Earn-and-Learn Apprenticeship Degrees: Expanding America’s Mobility and Opportunity Structure. AEI. https://www.aei.org/research-products/report/the-growth-of-earn-and-learn-apprenticeship-degrees-expanding-americas-mobility-and-opportunity-structure/

Bernardo, A. J., Jr. (2021). American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research. EBSCO Knowledge Advantage. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/american-enterprise-institute-public-policy-research

Orrell, B. (2025, February 11). AI and the Future of Work Looks Bright. AEI Op-Ed. https://www.aei.org/op-eds/ai-and-the-future-of-work-looks-bright/

Learn & Work Ecosystem Library. (2025, March 22). The Workforce Futures Initiative. https://learnworkecosystemlibrary.com/initiatives/workforce-futures-initiative/