March 13, 2024
This event shifted the focus of AI governance from boardrooms to community-level discussions, highlighting the rise of grassroots AI and how ai tools and ai powered solutions are being adopted at the community level. Understanding AI’s “hidden value chain“ is essential for effective governance. AI technologies and ai systems are central to this, and there is a need for practical solutions that improve efficiency and automate tasks for organisations. Speakers urged a questioning of the “move fast” mentality and emphasized the need to address how AI can reinforce existing biases. There are growing concerns among governments, stakeholders, and the organisation about security, data privacy, and the ethical challenges that come with AI adoption. The concept of “AI countergovernance“—community-led efforts to ensure inclusivity and justice in AI development—was introduced. The pivotal role of leadership, targeted initiatives, and support from organisations and community leaders is crucial in overcoming these challenges.
There is an ongoing debate and increasing awareness around the benefit and benefits of AI, and how these collective efforts make a difference in the sector. However, there is a real struggle and significant effort required to contribute to and support grassroots AI initiatives, making community building and the engagement of communities and groups essential. The demand for more focused and interesting initiatives is growing, and there is value in exploring and discussing new approaches to AI governance. Building knowledge, ability, and skills in using each tool and ai tools is vital, with businesses, companies, and the technology sector supporting these efforts.
These DesignMeets events in 2024 provided valuable platforms for connection, collaboration, and critical thinking within the design community, addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time. If you would like to contact the organisers to hear more, are interested in contributing, or want to be heard in future meaningful discussions, we look forward to sharing more detail on upcoming grassroots movements and sector-wide initiatives.