A Blueprint for Intelligent Economies 2024
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Governments play a pivotal role in the AI
ecosystem. Success in the AI revolution is closely
tied to political intent; higher ambitions are likely
to attract both public and private investment. As
custodians of national interests, governments
shape markets through policy-setting, regulatory
frameworks, incentives, funding initiatives and
public-private partnerships (PPPs).
Large enterprises are at the forefront of AI
advancements across various sectors of the
economy, often with limited governmental
involvement. However, collaboration with the
public sector, academia and other stakeholders
is essential for inclusive AI growth. AI offers
significant opportunities for enterprises to
transform products and services, enhance
experiences and revamp entire value chains.
Large businesses have a responsibility to promote
AI adoption within their workforce through
partnerships with the government.Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
form the backbone of every economy, and their
rapid adoption of AI can significantly boost growth
and prosperity. However, many SMEs tend to be
slow technology adopters and often lack early
insight into the benefits and return on investment
of AI. Conversely, tech start-ups are often the first
adopters of AI and play a crucial role in shaping
national AI inclusivity and data diversity, stimulating
entrepreneurial talent and local innovation.
Academia plays a crucial role in AI development
and adoption. This spans from pioneering
research in AI ethics to the development of AI
education programmes created in partnership with
government and industry partners. Its function is
essential in bridging the gap between academic
research and large-scale practical application.
Civic society is an essential ally in ensuring AI
development aligns with societal values and wider
societal benefits. Organizations can identify potential
inequalities exacerbated by AI, push for mitigating
measures, hold governments and businesses to
account, and encourage grassroots innovation in AI
applications that address local challenges.1.2 Key stakeholders collaborating to deliver
intelligent economies
1.3 Blueprint layers and strategic objectives
The blueprint is organized in layers, each containing
a set of strategic objectives. The purpose of each
strategic objective is to highlight five capabilities
that support AI initiatives at a national, regional
and global level.
Building the foundations
for intelligent economies
This layer of the blueprint covers the foundations upon
which the new economic activities will be built. These
include access to sufficient and sustainable energy
resources to support the significant expansion of
compute infrastructure, access to high-quality data,
responsible AI models and efficient capital investment
channels needed by intelligent economies.
Build sustainable AI infrastructure: This
objective is focused on building and maintaining
the foundational infrastructure for modern digital
networks, ensuring that AI technology is powered
in an environmentally responsible and sustainable
manner while being accessible and inclusive. Curate diverse, high-quality datasets:
This objective is focused on the curation of
available, accessible, diverse and inclusive
high-quality data that considers the needs,
characteristics, and cultures of a population
and their languages. It also covers the
creation of data governance, data protection
and privacy frameworks.
Develop responsible AI models: This objective
encompasses the development of open-source
or closed models, foundational large language, or
smaller and tailored domain-specific models. It also
explores the creation of AI model self-governance
and regulation.
Harness channels of AI investment: This
objective is the key enabler of the foundational
layer. Significant amounts of capital will need to
be raised and efficiently channelled into impactful
AI projects. New capabilities, such as public-
private investment partnerships and the creation
of specific AI infrastructure development funds,
will be needed.
Blueprint for Intelligent Economies
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