How AI and Demographics Will Transform Higher Education | Brian Bergstein | TEDxBoston

America's higher education system has long been one of its greatest strengths—but can it survive the next decade? In this conversation, journalist Brian Bergstein explores the challenges facing colleges and universities, from declining enrollment and demographic shifts to the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence. Together with John Werner, he examines how institutions must rethink their purpose, embrace innovation, and redefine what a college education looks like in a rapidly changing world. As AI transforms learning and the workforce, this discussion asks one of the most important questions of our time: what should higher education become? Brian Bergstein is a senior editor in Globe Opinion and the former editor of the Globe Ideas section. He previously was executive editor of MIT Technology Review, where he helped lead the overall editorial coverage. The publication was twice nominated for the National Magazine Award in general excellence during his tenure. He also oversaw big editorial packages such as 10 Breakthrough Technologies, 35 Innovators Under 35, and 50 Smartest Companies. In 2017 he conceived and edited a special issue on artificial intelligence. In 2017 and 2018 he served as the founding editor of neo.life, later called proto.life, a biotechnology publication begun by one of the founders of Wired. In 2019 he edited the anthology book “Neo.Life: 25 Visions for the Future of Our Species.” Bergstein began his reporting career with internships at the Herald-Leader of Lexington, Ky., and the Jerusalem bureau of Reuters in 1994. After graduating from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, he became a reporter for The Associated Press in Chicago and Springfield, Ill. He went on to several other roles at the AP, including national news editor, Silicon Valley correspondent, telecom beat writer, national technology correspondent, and technology and media editor. He was a 2004-05 Knight Fellow in Science and Technology Journalism at MIT. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx