AI is not the silver bullet for human development

If its potential to do good is to be fully realised, focus more on the obstacles that is preventing its uptake

erate progress on each of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

But if any of these artificial intelligence solutions are to make a difference globally, their use must be scaled up dramatically. To do that, we must first address developmental obstacles and, at the same time, mitigate risks that could render artificial intelligence technologies more harmful than helpful.

On the development side, data accessibility is among the most significant hurdles. In many cases, sensitive or commercially viable data that have societal applications are privately owned and not accessible to nongovernmental organisations. In other cases, bureaucratic inertia keeps otherwise useful data locked up.

So-called last-mile implementation challenges are another common problem. Even in cases where data are available and the technology is mature, the dearth of data scientists can make it difficult to apply artificial intelligence solutions locally. One way to address the shortage of workers with the skills needed to strengthen and implement artificial intelligence capabilities is for companies that employ such workers to devote more time and resources to beneficial causes. They should encourage artificial intelligence experts to take on pro bono projects and reward them for doing so.

There are of course risks. Artificial intelligence tools and techniques can be misused, intentionally or inadvertently. For example, biases can be embedded in artificial intelligence algorithms or datasets, and this can amplify existing inequalities when the applications are used. Another obvious risk is misuse of artificial intelligence by those intent on threatening individuals’ physical, digital, financial, and emotional security. Stakeholders sectors must work together to address these issues. To increase the availability of data, for example, public officials and private actors should grant broader access to those seeking to use data for initiatives that serve the public good. Already, satellite companies participate in an international agreement that commits them to providing open access during emergencies. Data-dependent partnerships like this one must be expanded and become a feature of firms’ operational routines.

Artificial intelligence is fast becoming an invaluable part of the human-development toolkit. But if its potential to do good globally is to be fully realised, proponents must focus less on the hype and more on the obstacles that are preventing its uptake.