AI is increasingly becoming a systems story, but few people are paying attention. Most of the focus on AI is about what it can do – with individuals and organisations alike rushing to implement this new technology.

But AI capabilities are advancing extremely quickly, while the systems around it —  governance and regulation, infrastructure, organisational learning, labour markets, productivity models and even public understanding — are struggling to adapt at the same pace.

And all of this is unfolding inside a world already dealing with climate disruption, geopolitical instability, infrastructure stress, declining institutional trust and widening inequality.

In this week’s episode, the final in our AI arc, we consider what the dizzying growth of artificial intelligence means for our society and economy. Co-hosts Felicia Jackson and Giulia Bottaro discuss what kinds of systems are actually required to absorb this new technology responsibly. And ask whether institutions, infrastructure and societies are prepared for the scale of change we now face.

The conversation covers stories on AI going rogue, the capability vs governance gap, the physical impacts of something that is perceived as intangible, how AI promises the democratisation of technology while fuelling inequality, and what companies are doing to address these challenges.

For businesses, the questions are becoming increasingly operational: what governance, oversight and accountability systems need to exist once AI becomes embedded inside day-to-day decision-making? For our listeners: is your business prepared for what happens once AI starts influencing real operational decisions?

The arc on AI is now complete! You can find the rest of the episodes (alongside our entire catalogue) here. 

Further reading:

• The Guardian view on AI politics: US datacentre protests are a warning to big tech

• Big Tech sets unfair terms and conditions for AI data workers globally

• Rogue AI is already here

• The hidden side of the data centre boom in Lombardy: energy, soil utilisations and risks for the grid [in Italian]

• Centre for Governance of AI

• CEOs and Boards Are Aligned on AI in Theory, but Divided in Practice

• AI Governance: Essential Insights for Organisations: Understanding Meaning, Challenges, Trends, and Best Practices in AI Governance

• AI Governance: Essential Insights for Organisations: "Practical Implementation of AI Governance"

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram – and why not spread the word with your friends and colleagues?