While the AI research ecosystem is growing, there is still limited research into how AI can positively transform economies and societies as well as supporting the achievement of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

There is also limited understanding of what public policies and governance frameworks would be most conducive to achieving this transformational impact while addressing risks and concerns, such as bias/fairness, safety, and explainability/ accountability. This collaboration is filling this void by bringing together regional scholars to be a voice of knowledge and innovation, informing and shaping AI governance.

Project Overview 
Up to 8 scholars will be selected for this initial project to:

• conduct research and draft a research-based policy recommendation paper for open access distribution
• present their paper in two face-to-face meetings over a 16-month period

The research-based policy recommendation paper will primarily help inform government policymakers (and other stakeholders, including industry, NGOs and academic institutions as appropriate) on the formulation of policies and strategies that support, encourage and maximize AI for Social Good.
 
This project is the first in a proposed series of collaborative activities that aims to develop a network of research centers and universities in Asia to collectively develop evidence and cross-border connections on “AI for Social Good”, promote an enabling policy environment at the domestic and international levels, while informing overall ecosystem development for AI.

Academic Lead
Academic lead is provided by Professor Jiro Kokuryo, (Keio University), who is guided and supported by a Project Steering Committee bringing together policymakers and experts from across Asia.
 
Please see the call document for project details, funding, eligibility, participation contribution, and project timeline.
 
Scholars interested to participate will need to email their Expression of Interest form (part of the call document) to Ms. Tina Lin (tina.lin@apru.org) by February 28, 2019.
 
For information about our current projects on AI please visit our website.
For any queries please contact Ms. Christina Schönleber (christina.schoenleber@apru.org)