OECD: Artificial Intelligence in Society

“Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping economies, promising to generate productivity gains, improve efficiency and lower costs.…”

The OECD's 2019 report examines the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) across economies and societies. AI is poised to drive productivity gains, enhance decision-making, and address global challenges such as climate change and health crises. However, the report also highlights significant concerns, including the reinforcement of existing biases, threats to privacy, and the exacerbation of inequalities. These challenges underscore the need for international cooperation and multi-stakeholder approaches to ensure AI serves the broader public good.

In response, the OECD has developed the first intergovernmental standard on AI, the Recommendation of the Council on Artificial Intelligence, adopted in May 2019. This framework emphasises the importance of aligning AI development with human rights and democratic values. The report advocates for the establishment of the OECD AI Policy Observatory to support evidence-based policymaking and foster global dialogue on AI governance. The overarching goal is to guide the development and use of AI technologies in a manner that is ethical, transparent, and inclusive.