"Data as the New Green Gold: Who Owns It, Who Benefits, and Who Gets Left Behind?"

In my recent intervention at the UN AI Forum, I raised urgent questions about data ownership, equity, and inclusivity—questions that will define the future of AI.

Here’s why we need answers now."

In my recent participation at the AI for Development Countries Forum, the focus was on AI designing mechanisms—strategies to translate cutting-edge research into practical, impactful solutions. While this is a critical step in advancing technology, I couldn’t help but emphasize that there are even more pressing questions we need to address: questions about data ownership, equity, and inclusivity. These issues are at the heart of ensuring that the benefits of AI and data-driven innovation are shared by all, not just a privileged few.

At Globalyx, we specialize in leveraging VR/AR, data-driven innovation, 3D experiences, and drone services to create transformative strategies for our clients. But as we push the boundaries of what’s possible, we must also confront the ethical and legal challenges that come with these advancements.

The Power of Data-Driven Innovation

One of the most exciting examples of data-driven innovation is precision agriculture, which is revolutionizing the agritech sector. Advanced sensors collect data on soil, climate, and crops, which is then processed using sophisticated algorithms and stored in data lakes. This transformed information guides critical decisions, from crop optimization to resource management and policy formulation.

Data has become the new "green gold," unlocking unprecedented opportunities for efficiency and sustainability.

However, this technological leap comes with significant challenges that demand our immediate attention.

The Urgent Questions We Must Address

During the AI Forum for Developing Countries in The house of the United Nations, I highlighted three critical questions that are central to the ethical and equitable use of AI and data:

1. Who owns the data?

Is it the farmer who cultivates the land, the tech company that provides the tools, or the government that regulates the sector?

2. How should the economic value generated by AI data be distributed?

How do we ensure fair compensation for all stakeholders in the agricultural ecosystem?

3. How can we ensure that small farmers and developing countries are not left behind?

How do we bridge the digital divide and make the benefits of AI accessible to everyone?

These questions are not just theoretical—they are urgent and require actionable solutions. Without addressing them, we risk creating a future where technological advancements exacerbate inequality rather than reduce it.

Global Examples and Statistics

To understand the scope of these challenges, let’s look at some global examples and statistics:

- Data Ownership Conflicts: In the United States, disputes between farmers and agritech companies over data ownership have become increasingly common. A 2016 report by the American Farm Bureau Federation found that 77% of farmers were concerned about data privacy and ownership.

- Economic Disparities: In India, smallholder farmers often lack access to advanced technologies. According to the World Bank, only 25% of Indian farmers have access to digital tools, while large agribusinesses dominate the market.

- Developing Countries Left Behind: In sub-Saharan Africa, where agriculture employs over 60% of the population, the adoption of precision agriculture is hindered by high costs and limited infrastructure.

The FAO estimates that only 1% of agricultural data is utilized in these regions.

Possible Answers and Solutions

While these challenges are complex, there are potential pathways to address them:

1. Clear Data Ownership Frameworks: Governments and international organizations must establish clear guidelines on data ownership, ensuring that farmers retain control over their data while allowing tech companies to innovate responsibly.

2. Equitable Revenue Sharing Models: Developing revenue-sharing agreements that fairly distribute the economic benefits of AI data among farmers, tech providers, and governments can help bridge the gap.

3. Inclusive Technology Access: Subsidies, public-private partnerships, and capacity-building programs can empower small farmers and developing countries to participate in the digital revolution.

The data revolution is here, and its potential is immense.

But to truly harness its power, we must act now. We need collaboration between governments, businesses, and communities to create frameworks that promote fairness, inclusivity, and sustainability.

At Globalyx, we’re committed to driving this change—using VR/AR, 3D experiences, and drone services to create strategies that are not only innovative but also ethical and impactful. Together, we can ensure that the future of technology is one that benefits everyone.

Engaging the Community

Now, I turn to you, my LinkedIn community:

- Do you believe we have achieved clear answers to these pressing questions?

- What solutions or frameworks would you propose to address data ownership, economic equity, and inclusivity in the age of AI?

- How can we ensure that technological advancements benefit society as a whole, not just a select few?

Let’s start a conversation and work together to shape a future where innovation and equity go hand in hand.

Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out directly—I’d love to hear your perspectives.

Carolina Hedman / Founder Globalyx

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