A large number of “Office for AI” centres have been established in the UK to develop initiatives based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), according to the report by MacDonald and Madzou.
Two research students from the World Economic Forum (WEF), Kate McDonald, a New Zealand Government Fellow at WEF and Lofred Madzou, AI and Machine Learning project leader at the FEM, published a report where they explain how the Artificial Intelligence and the Machine Learning They have been conquering the current technological landscape, bringing with them potential benefits and advantages for everyone.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a type of intelligence based on chips and machines that are capable of recreating several of the functions that our human brain performs, of course, all based on code and programming. Even so, despite its “artificial” nature, AI is still extremely interesting and impressive. The development of this technology has brought us great benefits, such as the simplification of our daily lives through voice assistants and predictive search engines, navigation systems through applications such as Google Maps, smart devices for the home and much more. It is a technology that has gradually been linked to our daily lives, even if we are not fully aware of it.
As MacDonald and Madzou point out in their report, AI has the potential to improve our daily lives, although for the moment, there is still much work to be done to perfect its use and application. According to the researchers, issues such as the accuracy of AI applications, the degree of human control, transparency and various privacy issues are some of the factors that still need to be perfected.
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Importance of current and future technological development
Although the development of these technologies requires “careful and ethical” management, their progress has been quite noticeable in recent years. That is why the World Economic Forum is interested in contributing and helping governments, companies and organizations to understand the full potential hidden behind these technologies.
“Technology has the power to help improve our world if used responsibly and effectively. But ensuring that technology is used for good requires strong leadership.”
With these accurate statements from the WEF, which were made during its meeting At its annual WEF summit in Davos, Switzerland, earlier this year, the organization seeks to help organizations understand that ethics, governance and regulation are key factors for sustainable technological development. To meet its expectations, the WEF argues that a new type of leadership is needed, one that allows the interests of the modern corporation to be explored and aligned with those of its employees, customers, society and the planet at large.
The entity also points out that the need for clear regulations is essential for the proliferation of technological ecosystems. On the other hand, understanding the commercial value of the data generated through these technologies will also promote the sustainable and reliable development of AI and ML at a commercial level, as well as their responsible and ethical use in all aspects. Likewise, the application of these technologies in business development will make industries much more solid and robust.
The fundamental role of AI and ML
Kay Firth-Butterfield, Head of Artificial Intelligence at the World Economic Forum, says that companies and businesses from all sectors will be a key factor in determining the impact that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have on today's society. However, the expert also points out that many of these companies and businesses do not have a precise knowledge of the importance of these technologies in the development of their organizations.
“Our research shows that many executives and investors don’t understand how AI can help them and what parameters they can set to ensure that their use of the technology is ethical and responsible.”
To meet this need for knowledge, the FEM has been developing effective tools such as the Empowering AI Toolkit, a tool developed to enhance AI leadership in business and society. MacDonald and Madzou make an equally interesting argument. The researchers point out that one way to ensure ethical understanding and practice in AI and ML is through “Office for AI” centres such as those in the UK, which are national initiatives developed to advocate for the ethical use of these technologies and help implement user training and awareness.
The UK's strategy to lead the industry
The United Kingdom has a fairly solid and comprehensive strategy with which it aims to consolidate and lead the development of Artificial Intelligence in the world, competing with giants such as China and the United States. Since 2018, the European country has been actively involved in the implementation of Office for AI, which are responsible for implementing the country’s technology strategy. Through these centers, the nation can support responsible adoption of technologies, while ensuring that AI and ML are developed as safe and trustworthy technologies, with ethical foundations and proper governance for the benefit of all.
For its part, the United Kingdom is also framing a strategy with industrial, labour and social foundations, where Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning play a fundamental role in cementing ideas, projects, infrastructures, and more. This is a strategy that poses great challenges to position the United Kingdom as a potential leader with the capacity to be at the forefront of the industries of the future.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has applications in all areas of our society, from banking applications that help identify and track fraudulent transactions, to cybersecurity algorithms that keep our networks and data protected at all times. The key to future development lies in the high sense of ethics, respect and responsibility of the creators and developers of applications based on these technologies.
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