Practical Tips | The Future of Gen AI - Values & Ethics

Today, I attended my first and the 8th Business of Science conference. Generative AI is a term that is spoken about a lot at the moment and whilst many at the conference had used Gen AI before there was and is still a lot of uncertainty about what it means, the value and ethics that surround it.

I couldn't resist joining the practical panel session exploring The Future of Gen AI - Values & Ethics led by Sherin Mathew from AI Tech UK and experts from IBM STFC Hartree Centre The University of Salford .

I walked away with so many golden nuggets to share. So let's start where the session began with a definition.

"Generative artificial intelligence (generative AI, GenAI, or GAI) is a powerful tool that can create text, images, videos, and other data using generative models. These models learn patterns from training data and generate new content with similar characteristics..........”

Whilst this is not incorrect i must admit i prefer Sherin Mathew definition as it feels much more relatable.

"Gen AI generates stuff, from previous experiences, stuff and data."

Gen AI is here to stay. We all know lots of people who are using it. Some quietly others much more openly. But the resounding takeaway was that it needs to be used with caution.?

GenAI isn’t perfect. Like an 80s thriller, it sometimes experiences “hallucinations.” A word i had never associated with Gen AI till today.

According to Sherin Mathew on average, Gen AI is fluid about 66% of the time but inaccurate around 33%. The remaining 1%? Well, let’s leave that mystery intact.

Gen AI accelerates processes, but it’s a tool and like any good tool you need to consider: Content, Usage and most importantly the RISK of using it.

There are a wealth of positive case studies using Gen AI which were shared today including the Health and Life Sciences sector using Gen AI to speed up drug discovery, Climate Scientists using Gen AI to predict beyond traditional forecasts and Material Chemists using it to develop sustainable materials to tackle CO2 capture.

The list goes on but unfortunately there are also some not so positive case studies. Geeth de Mel emphasized that Gen AI’s intelligence isn’t the issue here; it’s how people use it that is the real issue.

The recent ARUP deep fake scam highlights this which resulted in losses of ￡20Million.?

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/may/17/uk-engineering-arup-deepfake-scam-hong-kong-ai-video

If this isn't a word of warning i am not sure anything is. So before diving into Gen AI, Sherin Mathew reminded the room to ask the following three questions:

Will it empower my business?

Enhance existing processes?

Transform legacy systems?

If the answer is yes then Hazel Martindale say it is important to understand the openness of the Gen AI models you’ll be using. Know what they do and don’t do and most importantly be aware of any BIAS to avoid unintended consequences.

Gen AI is best used when you think about it like a Partner. Collaborate with it. Understand its strengths and weaknesses.

Like any tool, Gen AI needs maintenance.

If you don't look after it and keep it updated it will become an expensive outdated digital paperweight. Consider the learning curve and seek support from experts (of which there were so many in the room).

Whilst regulations are still in development there is now an ISO 420001 standard in place for AI. The European AI Act emphasises the need for transparency. Training is important here to upskill your teams. Thankfully the team at AI Tech UK have this covered as they have developed a series of workshops to help people on the journey.

As the discussion came to a close there was a resounding agreement businesses should approach AI adoption like you would any digital project:?

Don’t rush into AI

Get digitally ready

Prepare your data for AI

Then, embrace AI*

*But only if it is right for you and your business.?

I could not agree more with Sherin Mathew closing statement:

"Responsible AI begins with a responsible architecture."

GenAI has the potential to acclerate value and empower creativity. Further Regulations are coming so proceed with caution. Responsible AI starts with a responsible business and just remember AI is powerful but ethical AI is even more powerful.

A super informative panel session full of rich advice and hopefully this article provides some food for thought too.

Note: I will update the post once i have confirmation on the funding, support and training available for businesses exploring using Gen AI.

Funding & Support discussed at the event:

AI Foundry - Greater Manchester AI | Greater Business. Greater Security. Greater Manchester (gmaifoundry.ac.uk)

Bridge AI - BridgeAI - Hartree Centre (stfc.ac.uk)

AI Tech UK - Inspiring Innovations | Ai Tech UK (ai-tech.uk)

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