World Economic Forum: Ask not what AI can do for you – ask what you can do for AI

“Society is going through a technological transformation, powered by artificial intelligence (AI)”

Elena Fersman, Vice-President and Head of Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Incubation at Ericsson, emphasises the need for society to proactively shape the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI). Rather than passively inquiring about AI's potential benefits, Fersman advocates for a more active approach, focusing on what individuals and organisations can do to maximise AI's value while minimising associated risks. This perspective encourages a shift from reactive adaptation to proactive involvement in AI's evolution.

Fersman identifies three critical elements essential for AI to flourish safely and benefit society: infrastructure, ecosystem, and governance. She highlights the importance of robust digital infrastructure, including data centres and high-speed connectivity, to support AI's demands. Additionally, fostering a collaborative ecosystem and establishing effective governance frameworks are crucial to ensure that AI technologies are developed and implemented in ways that are ethical, inclusive, and aligned with societal values.