ai
Optimising for Flourishing: Flourishing Metrics and Return on Flourishing as Success Criteria for Artificial Intelligence and Post-AGI Economic Systems
- Source
- arXiv — Computers and Society
- Published
- Last verified
- 6 Aug 2026
- Confidence
- High
- Evidence
- Original document retained
- Reading time
- 1 min
- Country
- International
Executive summary
What happened, and why should leadership care?
A research paper from arXiv titled 'Optimising for Flourishing' proposes a new framework for evaluating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and post-AGI economic systems. It argues that current evaluation metrics, which focus on capability, safety, adoption, efficiency, and financial return, are insufficient. The authors contend that human flourishing should be a primary success criterion, introducing 'Flourishing Metrics' as an extensible framework to assess AI's impact on human and planetary well-being across various dimensions, including physical, emotional, financial, and relational aspects.
Why this matters
Why is this strategically important?
This research shifts the focus from purely technical or economic success metrics for AI to a broader, human-centric view. Adopting flourishing as a key performance indicator could fundamentally alter AI development priorities, investment strategies, and ethical guidelines, ensuring that technological advancements contribute positively to societal well-being and sustainability on a global scale.
Key insights
What should be noted from the evidence?
- Current AI evaluation frameworks are deemed insufficient as they do not adequately measure the impact on human and planetary well-being.
- Human flourishing is proposed as a primary success criterion for AI development and future economic systems.
- The paper introduces 'Flourishing Metrics' as an extensible framework to assess AI's contributions to well-being.
- The framework covers physical, emotional, financial, and relational dimensions of flourishing.
Evidence and confidence
How far can this assessment be trusted?
High confidence. Named institution, original document retained and analysis corroborated.
Analysis is prepared editorially by Aziz Shuaib Ausi. The original publication remains the authoritative record, and executive judgement remains entirely human.
Source
Where does this originate?
Reported by arXiv — Computers and Society · International. This briefing summarises the publication for executive use; the document itself is not reproduced here.
Read the original publication