AI Futures

While AI policy discussions often cover existing AI challenges, the long-term implications of rapidly advancing AI systems remain largely unknown and fiercely debated. Experts raise a wide range of potential future risks from AI, some of which are already manifesting in various ways. These include bias, discrimination, surveillance, lack of accountability, untrustworthy AI systems deployed in critical infrastructure, job displacement, and mass manipulation Many experts are concerned about the ability to ensure increasingly general AI systems are safe and aligned with human values, prevent their misuse, and address other negative societal impacts. Future benefits of AI may be just as great, with the potential to address complex issues, improve health and education outcomes, and accelerate scientific progress. Future-focused activities, such as strategic foresight exercises, are critical to better understand AI’s possible long-term impacts and to begin shaping them in the present.
The workstream on AI Futures is conducted in partnership by the OECD.AI Policy Observatory and the OECD Strategic Foresight Unit. The goal of the work is to help governments address potential challenges and seize benefits by providing them with insights into the possible futures of AI and equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to develop forward-looking AI policies. This work is directly informed by the Expert Group on AI Futures, comprised of relevant experts in government, the private sector, academia, and civil society, collectively forming a critical and varied spectrum of backgrounds and perspectives.
As potential AI futures will impact everyone, the OECD seeks to be inclusive in its efforts. This page will host public engagement and consultations on draft reports and other products, as well as open discussions on key topics, allowing anyone to contribute and share their views. The OECD encourages you to get engaged and to connect with other interested members of the AI ecosystem and the public.