The growth of AI has been many years in the making. Historically, such phenomenon occurs in every era.The invention of the printing press in 1400s made information, literacy and education more accessible and led to renaissance, revolution and reformation in art, science and culture.
In 1900s when ‘household appliances’ emerged, these were sensationalised as machines that would ‘end all housework’.
Although this is not the case, our lifestyles, values and expectations have fearlessly evolved with time and business has transformed alongside.
With the inevitability of change, AI brings issues and challenges. Users of AI know it may produce ‘solutions’ or recommendations.
Technically, companies with access to colossal datasets and computational ability have a major role in this evolution. This may mean potential for unfathomable bias and strategic or commercial influence in AI generated outcomes.
Such datasets typically grow and are refined through our repeated use. Our habits and preferences are known, utilised or even commercialised yet data ownership, privacy and accurate representation are undefined.
Transparency, liability and accountability are not reciprocated. We may never know how outcomes are computed or the quality of recommendations produced. Anyone using AI will need to implicitly accept this.
The AI revolution will create job opportunities provided one adopts skills and approaches learning as a continuous pursuit. Scaremongers will expound the end of certain jobs but ignore opportunities Intellectual property and data centres are only one dimension to address.
What about the need to overhaul existing legal infrastructure to facilitate accelerated growth and deal fairly with new issues?
There is bound to be unprecedented conflict, challenges and disputes. How do we as a nation use foresight and vision to prepare, given that the AI race is global?
Australia has always been challenged in its high dependency on overseas manufacturing and in the cost of doing business.
Will the use of AI increasingly shift dynamics in competitiveness and productivity, leading to nascent opportunity in Australian business and manufacturing?
For example, with education, reskilling, resourcing and investment required, a myriad roles and opportunities arise.
Understandably, Murphy’s Law will apply. Such issues will also create needs for support and servicing. Anyone who has ever bought a car or device will know that aftercare and fixes are all part of the cost and ownership experience.
The ongoing imperative to adapt and learn will invigorate and potentially lengthen lifespan, along with improvements in medicine, testing and pathology AI has a role in.
The routines that AI take on may also improve the quality of life and bring unexpected efficiencies in how we work and live.
Change is a part of life and no human is simply a bystander. This is not a destination; AI continues to mature and infiltrate.
Individuals need to be information and security savvy, stay open minded, cope with ambiguity and be mindful that perhaps no single entity has all the answers.
As encouragement, please be reminded that the last industrial revolution created something we passionately cherish; the weekend. It is futile to fight or fear seismic change.
We must utilise our own agency to heighten awareness, while thoughtfully and carefully navigate the journey ahead.
Maria Fok has corporate experience from ASX-listed, government and global organisations and a passion for speaking and writing about business
