Business needs to put ethics at the core of AI

Trust in new innovations will be the bedrock of successful AI adoption

When it comes to tackling some of the biggest issues we face, from combatting climate change to supporting an ageing population, technology will help to find the answer. Its social benefits are matched by economic ones: increasing digital adoption has the potential to unlock a huge £100bn in additional value to the UK economy.

With the pace of change accelerating, people need to have trust in the way technology gets smarter and solves new challenges. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in particular is the game-changing innovation leading the charge for business investment.

That’s why, as part of our work to improve trust in technology, the CBI has launched an exclusive practical guide for members to help put ethics at the core of AI.

The CBI is helping to drive change so that the UK can lead in ethical AI

Countries around the world are forging their own strategies to leverage AI. AI brings unprecedented opportunities for increased growth and productivity, but it has also led to new challenges for businesses and governments – from building trust, to meeting digital skills needs and crafting regulation fit for the future.

With CBI’s report Disrupting the future finding that AI is set to impact most sectors by 2021, we recommended the creation of an AI committee with representatives from business and academia. Following that report, the government set up the AI Council in 2018, allowing the business voice to champion AI across the country.

But without public trust in the technology, the UK will be left limping in the AI race. With outstanding universities, renowned civic institutions, and a thriving tech sector, ethical AI is an opportunity for the UK to distinguish itself with ideas and standards that can be exported across the world.

The CBI’s new practical guide will help your business navigate emerging ethical issues

The government has set the right tone by establishing the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation. Businesses are putting ethics into practice too – but sometimes the conversation focuses more on theory than practice. That’s why the CBI has created an exclusive member guide setting out the practical steps for navigating emerging ethical issues.

If you’re interested in AI and ethics, there are more ways to get involved:

• AI Working Group: members can help shape the CBI’s AI policy by joining the AI Working group. To find out more, email Khushali.dodhia@cbi.org.uk.
• Shape EU recommendations on AI ethics: Until 1 December, the EU Commission wants feedback on its pilot Trustworthy AI Assessment List. The list aims to help businesses put into use the EU’s seven requirements for Trustworthy AI.