CILT members are being invited to assist The Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation (CDEI) in collating examples from around the world of AI and data-led innovations to the Covid-19 crisis and its wider impacts.
There has been significant discussions in recent days about how AI and data-driven technology could aid the public health response to the Coronavirus pandemic, including by monitoring the spread of the virus. However, there has been less consideration about how the same technology could power wider support efforts, from teaching children at a distance to maintaining vital food supply chains to minimising the spread of disinformation.
While technology is only one part of the solution, it is an important one, and
the CDEI is eager not to overlook its potential in strengthening the resilience of critical institutions.
This need will become more apparent in the weeks ahead, as every aspect of society - from policing to agriculture, energy to transport - learns to recalibrate to a different reality - one where social distancing measures may need to be maintained for some time (or reinstated at a later date). Questions will also be asked about how vital functions can be made more resilient to future crises.
Against this backdrop, the CDEI is asking our members to contact them, answering the following questions in order to inform their aims of elevating good practice among different organisations and jurisdictions, as well as to forge new connections between like-minded individuals with the same goals.
CDEI would be very grateful if you could participate in this effort. Specifically, we would like to know:
- Are you or your organisation using (or planning to use) AI and data to manage the consequences of the pandemic? We are interested in how you plan to cope with both the short and medium-term impacts to your work and sector.
- Do you know of any other initiatives using AI and data to ease the pressure of the pandemic?
- Are you looking for ideas or support around how to use AI and data, and would you find it useful to be linked with similar individuals and organisations?
The centre will summarise and share the outcomes of this crowdsourcing exercise in the near future (excluding information that is sensitive), and will make connections between stakeholders as they go.
To get involved, contact Alistair Pearson, Centre for Data Ethics & Innovation.
The centre would be happy to talk over the phone or via video conference, if those are easier channels to share information.