New research from the global research and advisory firm
explains the challenges federal departments and agencies face in
serving vulnerable communities. In its recently published
blueprint, Info-Tech highlights the potential for AI initiatives to
bring positive change to marginalized populations. The
effectiveness of these initiatives hinges on robust community
engagement and ensuring that AI technologies are tailored to meet
the unique needs and concerns of vulnerable communities while
avoiding cultural misunderstandings.
TORONTO, April 26,
2024 /CNW/ - Info-Tech Research Group
has published a comprehensive blueprint that offers to IT leaders
within the public sector an in-depth analysis of AI's potential to
impact vulnerable populations. Titled AI for Good: A Framework
to Support Vulnerable People in Society, the firm's
research-backed resource advises that it is the responsibility of
federal governments to ensure that AI acts as an inclusive force to
enhance individual capabilities and transform systemic structures
across sectors such as healthcare, social services, and
employment.
With the complex challenges that vulnerable communities face
daily, the firm advises in the new blueprint that it is crucial for
policymakers and social leaders to adopt innovative approaches that
foster equity and access. These communities often encounter
barriers to accessing and benefiting from AI technologies, which
can limit their potential for improvement. Covering a range of
applications, from enhancing personal functions to addressing
potential job displacement, the resource will equip leaders with
the knowledge to use AI not just effectively but ethically,
ensuring the technology's benefits extend to all layers of the
population.
"While AI offers promising solutions for many areas, such as
personalized healthcare and streamlined social services, it also
poses challenges that require federal oversight, such as job
losses, data privacy issues, and systemic biases," says
Paul Chernousov, research director
at Info-Tech Research Group. "By adopting a balanced approach
that acknowledges both the challenges and opportunities presented
by AI, federal governments can lead the way in creating a national
AI ecosystem that is equitable, ethical, and truly beneficial for
everyone, including the most vulnerable among us."
The firm's research highlights the challenges faced by
governmental departments and agencies serving vulnerable
communities, particularly where limited resources restrict
investment in AI research, development, and maintenance. Info-Tech
also points to the potential benefits that AI initiatives can
offer, bringing substantial positive change to a community. The
effectiveness of these initiatives in such communities relies on
robust engagement, ensuring that the technology meets their unique
needs and concerns while steering clear of cultural
misunderstandings. Additionally, when choosing vendors offering Gen
AI functionality, the firm advises IT leaders that it is crucial to
evaluate whether the solutions generate new outputs rather than
just predictive outputs.
While AI introduces complex challenges, its transformative
potential and capacity to empower individuals and communities make
it an indispensable technology within the federal government. The
technology can revolutionize service delivery by enhancing
efficiency, accessibility, and personalization across various
federal departments and agencies, reshaping how services are
provided to the community.
The new blueprint emphasizes AI's crucial role in supporting and
empowering vulnerable communities and suggests the following key
areas where AI can make a significant impact:
- Personal empowerment: Technological advancements can
enhance individual capabilities and provide tools to improve
vulnerable people's daily lives, especially those with
disabilities. Tailored AI solutions enable personalized support
that bridges gaps in accessibility and functionality.
- Inclusive development: AI's potential to cater to
marginalized populations paves the way for additional technologies
that meet vulnerable people's diverse needs. With intentionally
empowering design and proper investment behind it, AI can be a
force for inclusion and equality.
- Community engagement: AI-driven platforms can
foster communication and participation with and within vulnerable
communities, ensuring responsiveness to their needs. By
facilitating dialogue and feedback, AI can empower communities to
have a voice in a government's decision-making processes.
- Systemic transformation: AI's ability to automate
complex tasks revolutionizes entire industries and creates
efficiency and innovation in domains most used by underserved
communities. From healthcare diagnostics to business operations,
AI's broad applications may redefine how services are
delivered.
Info-Tech advises in the blueprint that the effectiveness of AI
initiatives in supporting communities relies on strategic planning
and execution. Therefore, IT leaders must establish clear policies
and trust-building measures, such as transparency and
contestability. These measures are crucial to integrating AI
successfully and ethically into social support systems, ensuring
that it aligns with and enhances the values of the community it
serves.
For exclusive and timely commentary from Paul Chernousov, an expert in industry
practices, and access to the complete AI for Good: A Framework
to Support Vulnerable People in Society blueprint,
please contact pr@infotech.com.
Info-Tech LIVE 2024
Registration is now open for Info-Tech Research Group's annual
IT conference, Info-Tech LIVE 2024, taking place September 17 to 19, 2024, at the iconic Bellagio
in Las Vegas. This premier event
offers journalists, podcasters, and media influencers access to
exclusive content, the latest IT research and trends, and the
opportunity to interview industry experts, analysts, and speakers.
To apply for media passes to attend the event or gain access to
research and expert insights on trending topics, please contact
pr@infotech.com.
About Info-Tech Research
Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading
research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR
professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant
research and provides advisory services to help leaders make
strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30
years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them
with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst
guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their
organizations.
To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean &
Company for HR research and advisory
services and SoftwareReviews for software buying
insights.
Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to
research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry
analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access,
contact pr@infotech.com.
For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the
latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via
LinkedIn and X.
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SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group