Principles of Harmonised AI

Humanity stands at a crossroads. The global challenges we face today — climate change, war, and the AI singularity amongst others — are greater than those which any generation before us has faced, and all threaten us at an existential level. As a global human race, we will either rise to the challenges of our times and build a more splendorous world for all human beings, or we will succumb and let fall into ruin our civilisations. It all depends on the leaders of society, business and science, and the people of the world coming together and taking a deep, sober look at the kind of world we want to live in, and the long-term effect we want to have on it. This article focuses on the question of AI, and lays out the fundamental principles of harmonisation which will enable us to build systems that empower humanity and improve the human condition, rather than plunge us deeper into the throes of inequality and labour.

Recent advancements in AI increasingly indicate that we are approaching technological singularity, the point at which technological growth becomes exponential and self-perpetuating, evolving outside of the control of human beings. This, in and of itself, is not fundamentally a bad thing - it presents wonderous opportunities for building self-sustaining societies and giving the human true freedom and empowerment. However, the path we are currently going down spells only deepening inequality and the abandonment of the majority of our people unless we correct course and design intelligent systems with harmonised principles in mind. This is where the principles of Harmonised AI come in.

It is fundamental to remember that the future is not about AI or technology; it's about the people, societies, and world we want to create. It's about co-creating a world that empowers every human being and elevates the human experience, leaving no one behind. AI, like all tech, is a tool for the enablement of humanity – a means to help humans live better lives.

Today, it is clear that the systems of society which we have built are no longer serving to enhance the human experience, but rather that we have become caught in a downward spiral of unhealthy work culture, addictive social media and polarising information systems.

We must build systems that act in the interest of humanity and empower individuals to leverage their time for important pursuits like self-fulfilment and societal harmony. It is the duty of every business leader, technological leader, and societal leader to ensure that they imbue the Principles of Harmonisation in the system which they build. The three Principles of Harmonised AI are the Principle of Purpose, the Principle of Direct Influence and the Principle of Technological Efficiency.

The Principle of Purpose

Every system must have a clear, defined objective that drives tangible benefits or change. Purpose gives an AI system direction, ensuring that it delivers value, whether that value is commercial, operational, or societal. The Principle of Purpose focuses on outcomes—on the idea that AI must be designed to accomplish specific tasks or goals that provide measurable improvements in the areas they are applied to.

This principle is driven by the understanding that AI systems can be built for a range of purposes, whether profit-oriented, efficiency-based, or otherwise. The key is that the system is purposeful in its design and function, with clear metrics to track the benefits it delivers. For example, in the financial sector, an AI system designed to optimize trading algorithms serves the tangible purpose of increasing profitability, whereas an AI system in healthcare might focus on improving diagnostic accuracy. What is important is that the objective of the AI system is clearly defined as we want to avoid purposeless or loosely defined AI systems.

It is important that leaders who drive this principle have a deep understanding of the commercial or operational value that the system is supposed to generate. Whether profit-driven or aimed at operational efficiency, the system must have a defined purpose that is measurable, ensuring that its implementation leads to identifiable benefits. This is the essence of purpose-driven AI: aligning technology with clear goals.

The Principle of Direct Influence

The Principle of Direct Influence emphasizes that any AI system must have a net positive effect on society, ensuring that no individual or group directly touched by the system is harmed. This principle focuses on the concrete, immediate impacts of the system, ensuring that while the system serves its purpose, it does not inadvertently cause harm or negatively affect any stakeholder group.

For instance, in a company implementing AI automation, employees should not feel as though they are being replaced. Instead, AI should be integrated to support employees, helping them improve their efficiency and productivity while allowing them to focus on more meaningful, higher-value tasks. This approach avoids the potential harm to employee morale by positioning AI as a tool that enhances their role, rather than threatening it.

Similarly, customers who interact with AI-driven services must not feel like they are receiving less access to services or being deprioritized. AI should be designed to maintain or even improve the quality of customer interactions, ensuring that automation doesn't lead to impersonal or diminished service quality. Customers should feel equally valued, with AI providing a seamless, helpful experience that supports their needs rather than making them feel neglected.

These considerations extend to all stakeholders affected by the AI system, including suppliers, partners, and the general public. Ensuring that no group feels excluded, underappreciated, or disadvantaged is central to this principle.

It is the role of societal leaders—understood here as any leader who represents and understands the views of a specific stakeholder group—to direct the implementation of this principle when building AI systems. Whether these leaders are from within the company, customer advocacy, or other groups, their guidance is crucial in shaping AI solutions that are beneficial to society.

The Principle of Technological Efficiency

The Principle of Technological Efficiency focuses on the optimal use of resources, ensuring that every AI system is built using the most advanced, relevant technology while minimizing unnecessary resource consumption. An efficient system not only achieves its purpose but does so in a way that is sustainable, adaptable, and future-proof.

AI systems should leverage cutting-edge technology to accomplish their objectives, but they must also be designed to consume the fewest resources necessary—whether it’s energy, data, or computing power. This balance between performance and efficiency ensures that AI solutions are scalable and environmentally responsible. As AI systems grow in complexity, the demand for computational power increases, making it essential that efficiency is prioritized to avoid excessive energy consumption or resource waste.

Another key aspect of this principle is future-proofing. AI systems should be built with flexibility in mind, allowing for seamless upgrades and integration of new technologies as they emerge. This prevents societies from becoming burdened by outdated, legacy systems that are difficult or costly to replace. A modular, adaptable design ensures that AI can evolve with technological advancements without needing complete overhauls, thereby supporting long-term societal progress.

Technological leaders are responsible for ensuring that AI systems are efficient not only in terms of their immediate functionality but also in how they can be maintained, upgraded, and scaled over time. They must also ensure that the system remains energy-efficient and resource-conscious, aligning with broader environmental and sustainability goals.

Bringing it All Together: Building a Harmonised AI System

To ensure these principles are not just theoretical but truly shape the AI systems of tomorrow, organisations must take a holistic, forward-thinking approach. The integration of the Principles of Purpose, Direct Influence, and Technological Efficiency at every stage of AI development is essential for building systems that are not only powerful but also sustainable and beneficial to humankind.

Realising the full potential of Harmonised AI requires collaboration across industries, disciplines, and leadership roles. The success of these systems depends on a diverse team of experts who can bring together different perspectives and areas of expertise. By doing so, we can ensure that the principles are woven into the fabric of AI systems from conception to execution, allowing us to navigate the challenges of modern society while maximising the positive impact of AI on humanity.

The Ideal Team for Harmonised AI

The creation of a Harmonised AI system requires an interdisciplinary team, with key roles filled by leaders who can direct the development process in line with the three principles:

• Business Leaders (driving the Principle of Purpose): These leaders are responsible for ensuring that the AI system has a well-defined objective, aligns with the organisation’s strategy, and generates tangible benefits. They must have the commercial insight to guide the system toward its intended purpose, whether profit-driven or operational.
• Societal Leaders (guiding the Principle of Direct Influence): Societal leaders act as the voice of the people directly impacted by the system, ensuring that the AI’s net effect is positive and does no harm. These leaders might include policymakers, ethicists, or community representatives who understand the needs and concerns of different stakeholder groups.
• Technological Leaders (ensuring the Principle of Technological Efficiency): These are the technical experts who ensure that the system is built using the most advanced and efficient technologies. They ensure that the AI is both cutting-edge and future-proof, balancing innovation with sustainability.

By bringing together these diverse perspectives, the team can ensure that the AI system is both powerful and aligned with human values. Each leader plays a crucial role in safeguarding the system’s integrity and ensuring that it meets its objectives without causing harm to stakeholders or the environment.

The only way to progress towards a harmonised future is together

The time for change is now. We cannot afford to wait any longer. The future of humanity is at stake, and it's up to us to shape it. If you're as passionate about creating a world where technology serves humanity as I am, I'd love to connect with you on LinkedIn.

Let's continue the conversation and explore ways to build harmonised systems that empower humanity. I'll be attending the CogX Leadership Summit on October 7th, 2024, and Web Summit in Lisbon from November 11th, 2024. If you're attending either of these events, let's meet and discuss how we can work together to create a better future for all.