Why is global measurement important?
Tags
Responsible AI
Measurement
Data
On the importance of global measurements for key policy areas like responsible AI
Everything starts with a question
Every measurement begins with a simple question: What do we need to know? Whether it's the status of a project, the quality of a product, or progress on an initiative, measurements help us understand where we stand at a specific time and place.
When the information gathered is reliable, it gains the trust of a community with shared interests and values. This trustworthy data then serves multiple purposes, amplifying the initial reason for the measurement with each new use.
Measuring Progress in Key Policy Areas
Take, for example, the critical policy area of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As AI continues to be a hot topic globally, the international community has agreed that AI should be designed, deployed, used, and governed responsibly. Contributing to the realisation of this mission is the raison d’etre of the Global Center on AI Governance. Around the world, various principles and standards have been articulated for responsible AI, with the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence as the leading framework globally, having been adopted by 193 countries in 2021.
This initial commitment marks the beginning of a collective journey that countries must navigate together, while also considering regional and national specificities. To ensure this commitment translates into real-world impact, it's crucial to measure and track the progress of responsible AI efforts worldwide. By doing so, we can see what actions countries are taking to honour their commitment and identify where support is needed to bridge gaps.
Why Measure Responsible AI?
If the idea of tracking this commitment isn't convincing enough, consider the various questions that such measurements can answer:
Which countries are leading the way in responsible AI?
Are there regional differences that need to be addressed in global discussions?
Which aspects of the commitment need more attention?
Are some countries excelling in certain areas while others struggle, and can we learn from each other’s experiences?