The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released a blueprint outlining how AI can drive inclusivity in global economic growth and societal progress. However, it also highlights the challenges in ensuring its benefits are equitably distributed across all nations and peoples.
Developed in partnership with KPMG, the blueprint offers nine strategic objectives to support government leaders, organisations, and key stakeholders through every phase of the AI lifecycle – from innovation to deployment – at local, national, and international levels. These strategies aim to bridge disparities in AI access, infrastructure, advanced computing, and skill development to promote sustainable, long-term growth.
Call for regional collaboration and local empowerment
Central to the ‘Blueprint for Intelligent Economies’ is the belief that successful AI adoption must reflect the specific needs of local communities—with strong leadership and collaboration among governments, businesses, entrepreneurs, civil society organisations, and end users.
Priority focus areas
While the blueprint features nine strategic objectives, three have been singled out as priority focus areas for national AI strategies:
- Building sustainable AI infrastructure: Resilient, scalable, and environmentally sustainable AI infrastructure is essential for innovation. However, achieving this vision will require substantial investment, energy, and cross-sector collaboration. Nations must coordinate efforts to ensure that intelligent economies grow in both an equitable and eco-friendly manner.
- Curating diverse and high-quality datasets: AI’s potential hinges on the quality of the data it can access. This strategic objective addresses barriers such as data accessibility, imbalance, and ownership. By ensuring that datasets are inclusive, diverse, and reflective of local languages and cultures, developers can create equitable AI models that avoid bias and meet the needs of all communities.
- Establishing robust ethical and safety guardrails: Governance frameworks are critical for reducing risks like misuse, bias, and ethical breaches. By setting high standards at the outset, nations can cultivate trust in AI systems, laying the groundwork for responsible deployment and innovation. These safeguards are especially vital for promoting human-centred AI that benefits all of society.
A blueprint for global AI adoption
The Forum is also championing a multi-stakeholder approach to global AI adoption, blending public and private collaboration. Policymakers are being encouraged to implement supportive legislation and incentives to spark innovation and broaden AI’s reach. Examples include lifelong learning programmes to prepare workers for the AI-powered future and financial policies that enable greater technology access in underserved regions.
Conclusion
The WEF’s latest initiative reflects growing global recognition that AI will be a cornerstone of the future economy. However, it remains clear that the benefits of this transformative technology will need to be shared equitably to drive societal progress and ensure no one is left behind. The Blueprint for Intelligent Economies provides a roadmap for nations to harness AI while addressing the structural barriers that could otherwise deepen existing inequalities. By fostering inclusivity, adopting robust governance, and placing communities at the heart of decision-making, the WEF aims to guide governments, businesses, and innovators toward a sustainable and intelligent future.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of the WEF’s latest initiative?
A: The main focus is on how AI can drive inclusivity in global economic growth and societal progress.
Q: Who is the partner of WEF in this initiative?
A: KPMG is the partner of WEF in this initiative.
Q: What are the priority focus areas for national AI strategies?
A: The priority focus areas are building sustainable AI infrastructure, curating diverse and high-quality datasets, and establishing robust ethical and safety guardrails.
Q: What is the multi-stakeholder approach to global AI adoption?
A: The multi-stakeholder approach is a collaborative effort between public and private sectors to spark innovation and broaden AI’s reach.
