AI for Social Impact and Public Policy
Photo © Freepik
Online
AI for Social Impact and Public Policy
13 January–14 February 2025
The course is available in English
Introduction to the course
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is driving profound changes in society, presenting complex challenges related to social impact, equity, and governance and reshaping decision-making processes, industry functions, and policy creation. Understanding the intersection of AI and public policy-along with the potential of AI across various sectors and its societal implications-is crucial for ensuring that its benefits are harnessed responsibly, while minimizing risks such as bias and inequality.
This course explores the transformative power of AI, focusing on its social implications and the ethical considerations of its use. Participants will gain a solid understanding of how AI is applied in policymaking, its effects on labour markets and industries, and global efforts to regulate and govern these technologies. The course also emphasises the importance of promoting inclusive, equitable, and transparent AI solutions that can drive positive social change, while recognising and addressing cultural and gender biases inherent in many AI systems.
By exploring AI's potential to foster positive social change, while ensuring ethical and responsible deployment, this course will equip participants with the tools to navigate and influence AI applications in policymaking. The focus will be on understanding AI's transformative role in decision-making, addressing biases, and promoting inclusive AI solutions that contribute to societal well-being.
Who attends this course?
- Public administration officials and international organization staff working in economic, technological, industrial, and social policy.
- Experts in public affairs departments of technology companies.
- Practitioners in industrial and employment relations from both the private and public sectors.
- Trade union and employers' organization officials.
- Policy analysts from national and international think tanks, financial institutions, and research departments.
Course Structure
The course is delivered online over five weeks, with each session focusing on a specific aspect of AI and its impact on public policy and social outcomes:
- Introduction to AI: Big Data, Machine Learning, and Data Mining
The first week of the course introduces participants to AI with a focus on Big Data, machine learning, and data mining. It covers key concepts, such as the challenges of big data, its generation, and the role it plays in AI. Participants will learn about the technical aspects of AI, the importance of statistics, and how data models are analysed and applied in real-world scenarios.
- AI Regulation and Governance
This component focuses on the regulatory frameworks that guide AI deployment, with particular attention to how policies can foster trustworthy AI. Participants will learn about approaches to shaping AI governance and strategies for measuring national AI computing capacities. This component will offer insights into how governments and policymakers can develop regulations to ensure AI systems are transparent, ethical, and aligned with public values.
- Social Impacts of AI: Labour Markets and Economic Models
The third week will explore the social implications of AI, with a particular focus on its impact on labour markets and business models. It will discuss the economic effects of AI, including changes in employment and the rise of new business models. It will also address the implications of AI-enabled business models for fairness and equity in the labour market.
- Bias in AI: Cultural and Gender Bias
AI systems can perpetuate biases, particularly cultural and gender biases, which can have significant implications for their fairness and inclusivity. This session will explore how these biases arise in AI system and the impact they can have on outcomes in various sectors.
- Applications of AI in Policymaking and Decision-Making
These sessions will cover the foundational concepts of AI applications in policymaking, examining both the risks and opportunities that AI presents for public policy. Participants will explore real-world scenarios demonstrating how AI is being used in decision-making processes across various sectors. They will also examine how AI can be integrated into public policies to promote social good while addressing challenges such as transparency, accountability, and bias.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will:
- Understand the technical aspects of AI, including big data, machine learning, and data mining.
- Gain insights into AI regulation and governance frameworks, focusing on fostering trustworthy AI and measuring national AI capacities.
- Analyse the social impacts of AI, particularly its influence on labour markets, business models, and economic inclusion.
- Learn how to identify and mitigate cultural and gender biases in AI systems.
- Explore practical applications of AI in policymaking and decision-making, with a focus on ethical and inclusive approaches.
Training Phase
The course will be delivered online, through two webinars per week, combining expert-led lectures, readings, case studies, and interactive discussions. Participants will engage with practical examples and real-world scenarios to apply the concepts learned throughout the course.
Certification
A certificate of achievement from ITCILO will be issued for participants who meet the following criteria:
- At least 90% attendance of live webinars and completion of offline learning activities.
- Successful completion of the final assignment
