Transforming democracy: how can democratic states best use AI and thrive?

Transforming democracy: how can democratic states best use AI and thrive?

This conference brought together a diverse group of thought leaders from business, government, technology, and academia to explore the profound implications of artificial intelligence on democratic states. Discussions centred on the dual nature of AI as an unprecedented technology with the power to both enrich and encroach on freedoms. A major challenge identified was the need to balance the duelling roles of the private and public sectors in building AI, recognising the inherent tension between the need for regulation and the frontier mindset required for innovation. Participants debated how to best manage the risks, such as misinformation and disinformation, while also leveraging AI to amplify public services, like healthcare. The conference also addressed the impact of AI on jobs, suggesting that education and lifelong learning would be crucial for unlocking value for the public and mitigating negative effects. The summary concludes that while AI is a powerful tool that can help improve and manage democracy, it will not "fix" it, as the foundational work of strengthening democratic institutions and fostering human collaboration remains our own responsibility.