Diane Coyle, an expert in the digital economy, explains the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most promising and disruptive technologies of the 21st century. It can improve productivity, innovation, health, education, the environment and many other areas of society. But it also raises important challenges, such as privacy, ethics, regulation, competition, employment and the distribution of wealth.
To delve deeper into these issues, we spoke to Diane Coyle, professor of public policy at the University of Cambridge and one of the most authoritative voices in the field of the digital economy. Coyle is the author of several books on the subject, including The Economics of Enough, GDP: A Brief but Affectionate History and The Soulful Science. In addition, she is a regular contributor to premium.cat, where she writes opinion pieces on the social and economic impacts of AI and other emerging technologies.
What can AI do to improve people’s well-being?
AI has enormous potential to increase the well-being of people, both in developed and developing countries. For example, it can help diagnose and treat diseases, optimize energy resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve learning and teaching, create new forms of artistic expression, facilitate citizen participation and transparency, to prevent and resolve conflicts, and much more.
But to take advantage of these opportunities, AI needs to be accessible, inclusive, accountable and democratic. That is to say, that it does not become a monopoly of the big technological companies, that it does not discriminate or exploit people’s data, that it respects human rights and ethical values, and that it takes into account the needs and preferences of the society This requires adequate regulation, continuous education and training, collaboration between the different actors and a critical awareness of the users.
What are the main challenges or threats posed by AI?
AI also has significant risks that need to be managed and minimized. One of the most obvious is the impact on the labor market. AI can replace many tasks and occupations performed by humans today, and this can lead to unemployment, precariousness, inequality and social unrest. For this reason, it is necessary to create new job opportunities, adapt the skills and qualifications of workers, and guarantee adequate social protection and income redistribution systems.
Another challenge is the control and governance of AI. AI can be used for malicious purposes, such as espionage, manipulation, cyber-attack, warfare or terrorism. In addition, AI can generate unwanted or unanticipated effects, such as errors, accidents, biases, discrimination or violations of privacy. For this, it is necessary to establish standards for AI quality, security, transparency and accountability, as well as mechanisms for supervision, auditing and sanctions in case of non-compliance.
How do you see the future of AI and its role in society?
The future of AI is difficult to predict, because it depends on many factors, such as technological development, political context, legal framework, social culture and individual preferences. But what is certain is that AI will play an increasingly relevant and influential role in society, and that it will pose challenges and opportunities that we cannot even imagine now. For this reason, it is essential that we are ready and prepared to face them, and that we make AI a tool at the service of the common good.