University of Birmingham focuses on the ethics and regulation of artificial intelligence

The University of Birmingham is carrying out research to explore the regulatory and ethical barriers that may impede the successful adoption of AI in UK professional services.

Researchers in Birmingham Law School’s Centre for Professional Legal Education and Research, and Birmingham Business School’s Lloyds Banking Group Centre for Responsible Business are exploring themes alongside a unique network of industry leaders, regulatory professionals and government representatives. Together, they are developing new strategies to overcome the barriers and risks presented by AI, to enhance the opportunities for its responsible use in the financial, insurance, legal, and accountancy sectors.

Derek Southall, Founder and CEO of Hyperscale Group Ltd notes, “This is a vital piece of work which is perfectly timed. More has happened in this area in the last 4 years than the 20 before. The pace of change is increasing and so it is vital that we optimise our approach. The UK has one of the strongest professional services sectors in the world - we need to make it as easy as possible for businesses to leverage this technology whilst at the same time ensuring that appropriate ethical safeguards are in place”.

By identifying the implications of possible future scenarios in keystone regulatory system developments, the network will develop policy, regulatory and industry recommendations on how to overcome critical risks and obstacles, and seize the opportunities associated with AI.

Additionally, the project will act as proof of concept for a planned much larger research programme in the future and will test effectiveness of the foresight methodology in this interdisciplinary dynamic context.

Sultan KhanMay 16, 2019