To many, Artificial Intelligence (AI), is still in the realm of science fiction: decades away, and far removed from our current reality. However, increasingly, we are interfacing with platforms and systems powered by AI, such as smart watches and virtual assistants, such as Siri and Alexa. More importantly, in the coming decade, AI will drive and underpin a broad range of processes, and consequently change the ways we live and work.

 

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Over the past few months, there have been some new developments in the AI space that highlight the fact that AI is developing rapidly. There is considerable excitement about its potential to transform our lives, as well as the opportunities that can emerge. For example, and according to the United States Agency for International Aid (USAID);

  • AI, robotics and other forms of smart automation have the potential to contribute up to $15 trillion to the global GDP (gross domestic product) by 2030
  • Together with machine learning and globally, there is tremendous potential for AI to help in the realisation of the sustainable development goals
  • AI advances could double economic growth rates and increase labour productivity by 40%.

However, it appears that the challenges and matters that should be of concern are not as widely discussed; but they will not only have an impact on national policy, but also on the private sector, and potentially, our individual rights and freedoms. It is with this in mind that we are starting a series of conversations on AI.

In this the first instalment, we want to set some context and provide a comprehensive overview of AI. Thereafter, and in subsequent episodes, we will deep dive into some of the more topical issues, and discuss their implications for individuals , for business, and even for governments, as appropriate.  

 

Introducing our guest

Matthew Cowen

Matthew Cowen is an IT Specialist, Researcher and Digital Analyst, who specialises in ICT in the Caribbean region. He is also the Founder of dgtlfutures, a consulting firm that helps small businesses across the Caribbean to develop and implement their digital transformation strategies. And he is also the author of The Future is Digital newsletter, and is based in Martinique.

Matthew has been on the Podcast quite a few times, and in June 2021, we discussed how technology can perpetuate bias. Essentially, that was a conversation on AI, and the prejudices and discriminatory practices that can be inherent in most AI modelling, which can, and is already having an impact on our lives.

 

 

Insights into our conversation

Chatting with Mathew is always a pleasure, as he is knowledgeable about the subjects on which he speaks. Moreover, and as a Researcher, Data Analyst and Consultant, he is able to help us to discuss AI, its benefits and implications, from different angles and through the examples he shares. Below are the key questions posed to Matthew during our conversation:

  1. To begin to set some context, what is AI, and how it has evolved?
  2. What are some examples of how and where AI is being used today, particularly instances in which the Average Joe or Jane are being directly affected, or are interacting with that technology?
  3. Now although we might still be in the early stages of the AI, it seems that issues and concerns are already beginning to emerge. So if we can, let’s touch on a few of them, starting with:
    1. AI bias and discrimination
    2. Impact on the workforce and the future of work
    3. Privacy and surveillance
    4. The ethics of AI
    5. Security
    6. AI for Social Good (AI4SG)
  4. What are some of the benefits or opportunities of AI?

 

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Select links

Below are links to some of the organisations and resources that either were mentioned during the episode, or otherwise, might be useful:

 

 

Image credits: Matthew Cowen; fancycrave1 (Wikimedia Commons); Smoothgroover22 (flickr); Hamburgfinn (Pixabay); Eliza Galstyan (Wikimedia Commons)

Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell

Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez