Good governance as a response to discontents? Deja vu, or lessons for AI from other emerging technologies

Recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have led to intense debates about benefits and concerns associated with this powerful technology. These concerns and debates have similarities with developments in other emerging technologies characterized by prominent impacts and uncertainties. Against this background, this paper asks, What can AI governance, policy and ethics learn from other emerging technologies to address concerns and ensure that AI develops in a socially beneficial way? From recent literature on governance, policy and ethics of emerging technologies, six lessons are derived focusing on inclusive governance with balanced and transparent involvement of government, civil society and private sector; diverse roles of the state including mitigating risks, enabling public participation and mediating diverse interests; objectives of technology development prioritizing societal benefits; international collaboration supported by science diplomacy, as well as learning from computing ethics and Responsible Innovation.

Automated summary

This paper examines how AI governance, policy, and ethics can draw lessons from other emerging technologies to address concerns and ensure socially beneficial development. Six key points include inclusive governance involving government, civil society, and private sector; diverse roles of the state in mitigating risks and mediating interests; prioritizing societal benefits in technology development; international collaboration through science diplomacy; and learning from computing ethics and Responsible Innovation.