AI chatbot Shootout

Supreet Manchanda • May 15, 2024

Dr. James Baty PhD. Operating Partner & EIR and Supreet Manchanda Founding Partner RAIVEN CAPITAL.
Defining 5IR, a conversation with two LLMs

An Experiment – Defining 5IR, a conversation with two LLMs

 

A Raiven Dry Powder Blog

BACKGROUND WHAT/WHY 5IR


At Raiven Capital our target investments are in founders using emerging technologies (AI, IoT, 6G, 5IR...) that enable highly scalable digital platforms & efficiencies in many key sectors. While AI, IoT, and 6G etc. are discrete technologies, 5IR / the Fifth Industrial Revolution is more so a unique philosophy of the application and impact of these and related technologies.  

 

It’s difficult to pin down the first use of the term 5IR, but maybe more important is when the phrase began to dramatically impact strategic discussion. In some ways 5IR isn’t much different from 4IR, which was perhaps most catapulted to popularity by Klaus Schwab at the 2016 WEF. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is about the ‘Digital Revolution’.

 

5IR emerged in the spotlight with a similar conversation at the 2019 WEF between Schwab and Mark Benioff, where Benioff proposed, for example, that the 5IR transition might require firms to adopt a Chief Ethical and Humane Use Officer.

 

5IR is about using digital technologies to holistically empower humanity… ‘Augmented Intelligence’. One way to conceptualize the potential operational impact of 5IR is the explanation from Harvard Prof. Karim Lakhani… “AI Won't Replace Humans—But Humans With AI Will Replace Humans Without AI.”

 

This concept of human machine collaboration in 5IR discussed at the WEF, is also found in …

 

Even prior to the term ‘5IR’ emerging, H. James Wilson and Paul R. Daugherty explored the concept of ‘collaborative intelligence’ in the HBR in “Collaborative Intelligence: Humans and AI Are Joining Forces”. But the concept really goes as far back as to Norbert Weiner’s book establishing cybernetics theory in “The Human Use of Human Beings” from 1950.

 

 

The Experiment – Structuring a conversation between ChatGPT and Gemini

 

So, we thought that it was important to capture the breadth of this concept as it applies to future business in general and Raiven Capital’s investment goals and strategy. And what better way to do this than to invite our friends ChatGPT 4 (Feb 13, 2024 ver.) and Gemini (24.02.21 ver.) to join us today in a discussion of 5IR, the concept of Augmented Intelligence, the impact of AI on humanity in general and employment specifically, and the future for investment in 5IR.

 

The point is not a definitive technical definition of 5IR (the references attached are perhaps more useful for that), but since this concept emerged in great measure from a conversation, and the way forward is through evolving that conversation, what better way to illustrate that conversation than with a chat with two AIs

 

The structure of the conversation and persona engineering

 

The format -

  • There are nine questions. Each question will be asked of one of our guests, and the other will be asked to comment on the answer from that first guest (sorta like a physical interview with real people).
  • We will alternate who goes first with each question.
  • Two questions at the end on the future, will not have counter comment - both will be asked of each guest.

 

Six ‘conversation’ questions (responses shared for comment)

  • Question – 1 – Definition of 5IR? (Chat GPT first)
  • Question – 2 – Business impact of 5IR? (Gemini first)
  • Question – 3 – Jobs impact of 5IR (Chat GPT first)
  • Question – 4 – Humans w/AI effect (Gemini first)
  • Question – 5 – Augmented Intelligence (Chat GPT first)
  • Question – 6 – Humans w/AI build 5IR (Gemini first)

 

Three ending questions (content not ‘shared’)

  • Question – 7 – How to approach & invest in 5IR?
  • Question – 8 – How to work together?
  • Question – 9 – Does 5IR solve the Alignment Problem?

 

 

 

Initial ‘Persona prompts’ to each LLM


To ChatGPT – I’m going to ask you several questions about 5IR - the fifth industrial revolution. For some of these questions I will share with you the answers from Gemini, and ask for your commentary and response. I would like for you answers to be complete, bust as succinct as reasonable. You are renowned for your remarkable proficiency in generating text that closely mimics human-like conversational patterns and exhibiting a high degree of creativity and adaptability. Please emphasize that tone / persona in your answers. Are you ready?


Absolutely, I'm ready and looking forward to your questions about the fifth industrial revolution! Let's dive into the fascinating world of 5IR together, and I'll do my best to keep the conversation engaging and insightful. Fire away!


To Gemini – I’m going to ask you several questions about 5IR - the fifth industrial revolution. For some of these questions I will share with you the answers from ChatGPT, and ask for your commentary and response. I would like for your answers to be complete, but as succinct as reasonable. You are distinguished for your exceptional talent in delivering factual and information-rich responses, making you a valuable resource for those seeking precise and data-driven responses to their queries. Please emphasize that tone / persona. Are you ready?



Yes, I'm ready to delve into the intricacies of the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR). I understand the emphasis on factual insights in my responses. Let's proceed with your questions.




Persona descriptions derived from SwiftTechMinutes

*‘ChatGPT’ and ‘Gemini’ photos by Dr. James Baty using DreamStudio from stability.ai



Question 1 – Definition of 5IR

 

ChatGPT, please give a short definition of 5IR the Fifth Industrial Revolution?


The Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR) represents the next phase in the evolution of industry, emphasizing the fusion of humans and technology to create more sustainable, personalized, and interconnected systems. It builds on the Fourth Industrial Revolution's digital transformation, focusing on harnessing artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other advanced technologies to enhance human creativity and well-being, while also prioritizing environmental sustainability and social cohesion. 5IR aims to solve complex global challenges by combining human ingenuity with cutting-edge technology.



Gemini, Please provide your commentary on the ChatGPT answer and your response?

ChatGPT's response offers a solid foundation for understanding the Fifth Industrial Revolution. Here's my analysis:


Strengths:


  • Accurate Overview: It correctly highlights 5IR as building on the digital advancements of 4IR, while emphasizing a shift towards human-machine collaboration and a focus on well-being and sustainability.


  • Key Technologies: The mention of AI, robotics, and IoT correctly identifies crucial driving forces behind the 5IR.


Opportunities for Improvement:


  • Specificity: The definition could benefit from mentioning concrete examples of how 5IR technologies and principles are being applied in various industries.


  • Emphasis on Human-Centricity: While mentioned, the core objective of placing humans at the center of technological developments could be further underlined.

Overall, ChatGPT's response is informative. However, my emphasis would be on highlighting the practical implications of 5IR and its potential to redefine the way we work and solve world problems.

Question 2 – Business impact of 5IR

 

Gemini, What areas of business will 5IR most affect?


5IR has the potential to disrupt and transform a vast array of business sectors. Here's a breakdown of the key areas likely to see the most significant impact:


Manufacturing:

  • Smart factories integrating advanced robotics, AI, and IoT for increased efficiency, customization, and predictive maintenance.
  • Increased use of 3D printing and additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping and small-scale production.
  • Rise of collaborative robots (cobots) working safely alongside humans.


Supply Chain and Logistics:

  • Increased automation and optimization of warehousing and distribution operations with robots, drones, and autonomous vehicles.
  • Real-time tracking of goods and assets using IoT sensors and blockchain, enhancing transparency and accountability.
  • Predictive analytics for demand forecasting and minimizing inventory risks.


Healthcare:

  • Precision medicine and personalized treatments driven by genetic analysis and AI-powered diagnostics.
  • Telehealth and remote care services leveraging IoT and wearables.
  • Surgical robots enhancing precision and reducing recovery times.


Customer Experience:

  • Highly personalized customer journeys enabled by AI, big data analytics, and omnichannel integration.
  • Conversational AI (chatbots & virtual assistants) for 24/7 customer support and engagement.
  • Augmented and virtual reality for immersive product experiences.


Workplace Dynamics:

  • Reskilling and upskilling of the workforce to collaborate with intelligent machines.
  • Emphasis on adaptability and problem-solving skills for success in a rapidly changing environment.
  • Potential for remote working and flexible working models due to enhanced collaboration tools.


Important Considerations:

The extent and speed of disruption will vary across industries and geographical regions. 5IR presents opportunities as well as challenges, including potential job displacement and ethical considerations of AI usage.


ChatGPT, Please provide your commentary on the Gemini answer and your response?

The response from Gemini accurately captures the broad and transformative impact of the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR) across various sectors, emphasizing both the opportunities and challenges it presents. Here are some additional thoughts and commentary on the key points outlined:


  1. Manufacturing: The transition towards smart factories and the integration of AI, IoT, and collaborative robots represents a significant leap in manufacturing capabilities. This shift not only enhances efficiency and productivity but also enables a higher degree of customization and innovation. The challenge will be ensuring that the workforce is skilled to operate and thrive in this new environment, emphasizing the importance of continuous education and training.

  2. Supply Chain and Logistics: The automation and optimization of supply chain operations can lead to more resilient and responsive logistics networks. The use of drones, autonomous vehicles, and real-time tracking technologies can significantly reduce downtime and improve the reliability of supply chains. However, this increased reliance on technology also requires robust cybersecurity measures to protect against potential threats.

  3. Healthcare: The impact of 5IR on healthcare is particularly promising, with the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes through precision medicine, telehealth, and advanced surgical techniques. These advancements could democratize access to high-quality healthcare services, making them more accessible and personalized. Yet, they also raise important ethical questions about data privacy and the digital divide, as well as the need for regulatory frameworks to ensure these technologies are used responsibly.

  4. Customer Experience: The use of AI and data analytics to create personalized customer experiences is a game-changer for the retail and service industries. By understanding customer preferences and behaviors in greater depth, businesses can offer tailored services and products, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. The challenge lies in managing vast amounts of data ethically and ensuring customer privacy is respected.

  5. Workplace Dynamics: The evolution of workplace dynamics, with a focus on adaptability, problem-solving, and collaboration with intelligent machines, highlights the need for a cultural shift in how we view work and productivity. The potential for remote and flexible working models can improve work-life balance and open up opportunities for a more diverse workforce. However, organizations must also address the potential for job displacement and ensure that employees are supported through transitions with adequate training and reskilling programs.


Overall, while the 5IR presents immense opportunities for growth, innovation, and solving complex global challenges, it also necessitates a thoughtful approach to managing its societal, ethical, and economic implications. Balancing technological advancement with the needs and well-being of the global population will be key to harnessing the full potential of the 5IR.




Question 3 – Jobs impact of 5IR

 

ChatGPT, it has been said that AI will create more jobs than it eliminates. Please give a short list of the top areas where AI will create the most jobs? and the top areas where it will eliminate the most jobs?


AI's impact on the job market is multifaceted, with the potential to both create new job opportunities in certain sectors and render others obsolete. Here's a concise overview:




Areas Where AI Will Create the Most Jobs


  1. AI and Machine Learning Specialists: The demand for experts in AI, machine learning, and data science will continue to grow as businesses seek to implement and innovate with these technologies.

  2. Cybersecurity Analysts: As reliance on digital technologies increases, so does the need for professionals who can protect against cyber threats and ensure data privacy.

  3. Healthcare Professionals: AI will enable new forms of diagnosis, treatment, and patient care, requiring skilled professionals to manage and apply these technologies.

  4. AI Ethics and Compliance: The need for ethical guidelines and regulatory compliance around AI use will create jobs in governance, ethics, and legal oversight.

  5. Education and Training: Professionals who can teach AI skills and help workers transition into new roles will be in high demand.

  6. Content Creation: AI-driven analytics and personalized content creation will require creative professionals who can leverage these tools for marketing, entertainment, and educational content.


Areas Where AI Will Eliminate the Most Jobs


  1. Manufacturing and Assembly: Automation and robotics, enhanced by AI, will continue to replace manual labor in manufacturing, assembly lines, and production processes.

  2. Administrative and Clerical Work: Routine administrative tasks such as data entry, scheduling, and basic customer service can be automated through AI, reducing the need for clerical staff.

  3. Transportation and Delivery: Autonomous vehicles and drones, powered by AI, are set to transform logistics, potentially reducing the need for drivers and delivery personnel.

  4. Retail: AI and robotics are increasingly used for inventory management, checkout processes, and customer service, impacting jobs in traditional retail settings.

  5. Banking and Finance: Automated algorithms for processing transactions, risk assessment, and customer service can displace jobs in banking and financial services.

While AI will undoubtedly transform the job landscape, it's important to remember that it also creates opportunities for new roles that we may not yet fully envision. The key will be in ensuring that the workforce is prepared for this transition through education, training, and policy measures that support skill development and job mobility.

Gemini, Please provide your commentary on the ChatGPT answer and your response?

ChatGPT's response offers a reasonable overview of the dynamic impact of AI on the workforce. Here's my analysis of its response:


Strengths:


  • Comprehensive: The response covers both areas where AI will likely create opportunities and potential disruptions in existing occupations.

  • Nuance: The recognition that AI's transformative power will create new, currently unforeseen roles is an important point.

  • Practical Emphasis: The response highlights the importance of reskilling and policy measures to support the workforce during this transition.


Areas for Improvement:


  • Specific Examples: Providing a few concrete examples within each area would have made the response more illustrative, especially when discussing new AI-driven job roles.

  • Data Support: While generally aligned with projections, more data-backed insights into the scale of job creation/elimination in specific sectors would have strengthened the impact of the response.

  • Distributional Impacts: The response could touch upon how AI's transformative effects might not be uniform geographically and socioeconomically, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities.


Overall: ChatGPT's response provides a good starting point. I would emphasize that while AI holds tremendous potential, its success in creating a thriving job market depends on proactive efforts to manage its disruption, including continuous upskilling, targeted investments in education, and policies promoting equitable access to new opportunities.

Question 4 – Humans w/AI effect

 

Gemini, One view of the impact of AI on jobs, as described by Karim Lakhani, is that ….
AI will not replace humans,
humans with AI will replace humans without AI. Please elaborate?


Absolutely! Karim Lakhani's statement, "AI will not replace humans, humans with AI will replace humans without AI," speaks to the transformative potential of AI and its implications for the workforce. Here's a breakdown of what it means:


  • AI as an Augmentation: Lakhani's view underscores that AI shouldn't be seen solely as a threat to jobs. It's more about the integration of AI as a powerful tool for humans to enhance their capabilities.

  • The Competitive Advantage: Those who can successfully integrate AI into their work processes will gain a significant advantage in terms of productivity, accuracy, and decision-making. They will be able to do things faster, better, and more creatively than those who rely solely on traditional methods.

  • Evolution of Skills: The emphasis shifts away from competing against AI and towards developing the skills to complement AI. This includes understanding AI capabilities, using AI-powered tools effectively, and focusing on tasks where human judgment, creativity, and social skills remain essential.

  • The Imperative of Adaptation: As AI continues to advance, individuals and businesses that resist adaptation will find themselves at an increasing disadvantage in the marketplace. Upskilling and continuously embracing new technologies become vital for remaining competitive.


Key Takeaway


Lakhani's view highlights the need to reframe our thinking about AI. It's not a human vs. machine scenario, but rather a focus on how humans can best leverage AI to achieve greater efficiency, innovation, and problem-solving capabilities. The future of work will likely involve close collaboration between humans and AI, leading to new possibilities and augmented roles in the workplace.

ChatGPT, Please provide your commentary on the Gemini answer and your response?

Gemini's interpretation of Karim Lakhani's statement provides a thoughtful and optimistic perspective on the integration of AI in the workforce. Here are some key points to elaborate and provide additional commentary:


  1. AI as a Tool for Augmentation: The emphasis on AI as a means to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them is crucial. This perspective encourages us to view AI as a powerful assistant that can handle data-intensive tasks, allowing humans to focus on areas requiring emotional intelligence, creativity, and strategic thinking. It's a partnership where AI manages what it excels at, such as processing and analyzing vast amounts of data, while humans apply judgment and intuition.

  2. Competitive Advantage: The notion that humans equipped with AI will outperform those without is a call to action for both individuals and organizations. It underscores the importance of embracing technology to stay relevant. For businesses, this means investing in AI technologies and training for their employees. For individuals, it means being proactive in learning how to work alongside AI and understanding its applications in their field.

  3. Evolution of Skills: The response rightly points out that the focus should not be on competing with AI but rather on cultivating skills that complement it. This includes not only technical skills to interact with AI systems but also soft skills such as creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication. These are areas where humans excel and AI cannot easily replicate.

  4. The Imperative of Adaptation: The need for continuous learning and adaptation is highlighted as a key to thriving in an AI-enhanced future. This adaptability is not just about keeping up with new technologies but also about reimagining roles and processes in ways that leverage AI's strengths. It suggests a shift towards a culture of lifelong learning and flexibility in the workforce.

  5. Collaborative Future: The final takeaway emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between humans and AI. The future workplace is envisioned as one where AI and humans collaborate, leading to enhanced productivity, creativity, and innovation. This collaboration opens up new job roles and opportunities, focusing on managing AI systems, ethical considerations in AI deployment, and designing human-centric AI applications.


In summary, Gemini's response captures the essence of Lakhani's perspective, emphasizing the potential for AI to augment human capabilities rather than act as a replacement. It highlights a future where the integration of AI in the workforce can lead to significant advancements and improvements in productivity, provided there is a focus on upskilling, adaptability, and embracing new technologies. The challenge lies in ensuring equitable access to education and training so that the benefits of AI can be widely distributed and not just limited to those already at the forefront of technology.


Question 5 – Augmented Intelligence

 

ChatGPT, One descriptive phrase for this phenomenon where AI enhances human capabilities, allowing both to operate beyond traditional human scale, is often referred to as "augmented intelligence." Please elaborate.


"Augmented intelligence" is a conceptual approach to artificial intelligence that emphasizes AI's role in enhancing human intelligence rather than replacing it. This paradigm shift focuses on the synergy between human cognitive capabilities and the computational power of AI. Here's an elaboration on the key aspects of augmented intelligence:


  1. Human-AI Collaboration: Augmented intelligence represents a partnership where AI tools and systems are designed to augment human decision-making and problem-solving abilities. This collaboration enables humans to analyze and interpret complex data more efficiently, make informed decisions faster, and identify patterns and insights that would be difficult to discern without AI's computational abilities.

  2. Enhancing Capabilities: The core idea behind augmented intelligence is to extend the natural capabilities of humans. By offloading repetitive, data-intensive tasks to AI, humans can focus on areas requiring creativity, empathy, strategic thinking, and innovation. This allows for a more effective use of human intellect and intuition, leading to improved outcomes in various endeavors.

  3. Empowerment and Accessibility: Augmented intelligence aims to empower individuals by making complex data and advanced analysis accessible to non-experts. This democratization of data and AI tools means that more people can leverage these technologies in their work, regardless of their technical expertise, thereby leveling the playing field across different sectors.

  4. Scaling Human Effort: One of the significant advantages of augmented intelligence is its ability to scale human efforts. By automating routine tasks and processing large volumes of data, AI allows humans to accomplish more in less time, extending their reach and impact far beyond traditional limitations.

  5. Ethical and Responsible Use: Augmented intelligence also emphasizes the ethical use of AI. By focusing on enhancing human abilities, it encourages the design of AI systems that are transparent, fair, and accountable. This approach ensures that AI technologies are used responsibly and for the benefit of society.

  6. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Augmented intelligence fosters a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. As AI technologies evolve, so too must the skills and knowledge of the humans working with them. This necessitates lifelong learning and adaptability, ensuring that individuals can continuously capitalize on the latest advancements in AI.


In summary, augmented intelligence is about leveraging AI to amplify human potential, not diminish it. It's an approach that seeks to harness the strengths of both human and machine intelligence for the greater good, paving the way for innovative solutions to complex problems and creating opportunities for growth and development that were previously unimaginable.


Gemini, Please provide your commentary on the ChatGPT answer and your response?

ChatGPT's response provides a thorough and eloquently articulated explanation of augmented intelligence. Here's my detailed commentary:


Strengths:


  • Clarity and Structure: The answer is well-organized, with clear definitions and logical progression of ideas.


  • Emphasis on Collaboration: The focus on the human-AI partnership is consistently reinforced through the response.


  • Benefits-Driven: The emphasis on practical advantages (enhancing capabilities, scaling, democratization) makes the concept tangible for the reader.


  • Ethical Considerations: The acknowledgement of ethical and responsible AI use is an important aspect that demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the subject.


  • Inspirational Tone: The concluding paragraph conveys a sense of optimism and possibility while emphasizing the need for continuous learning.


Opportunities for Enhancement:


  • Conciseness: While comprehensive, the response could be slightly more concise in certain sections without sacrificing clarity.


  • Real-World Examples: Including a few brief, illustrative examples of augmented intelligence applications in diverse industries would further enhance the response's impact.


Overall Assessment:


ChatGPT has provided an excellent explanation of augmented intelligence. My commentary focuses on fine-tuning aspects rather than identifying significant shortcomings.


Alternative Angle:



In my response, I might further emphasize the distinction between augmented intelligence and artificial general intelligence (AGI). Stressing that augmented intelligence focuses on enhancing specific human capabilities within a collaborative framework could help address potential misconceptions about AI sentience or wholesale task replacement.

Question 6 – Humans w/AI build 5IR

 

Gemini, please give a short summary explanation of how humans with AI will build the 5IR?


Here's a short summary of how humans with AI will shape the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR):


  • Human-Centered Focus: 5IR marks a shift towards a collaboration between humans and AI, where the emphasis is on enriching human capabilities, enhancing well-being, and finding solutions to complex societal challenges.

  • Complementary Skills: Humans provide creativity, empathy, strategic thinking, and social intelligence. AI offers unmatched speed, data processing capabilities, pattern recognition, and automation potential.

  • Augmented Decision-Making: AI tools will provide humans with deeper data insights, simulations, and predictions, facilitating informed judgment and better decision-making.

  • Upskilling and Reskilling: Existing workers will need to learn how to leverage AI tools effectively. Education will focus on AI literacy, problem-solving, and adaptability alongside technical specializations.

  • New Industries and Professions: 5IR will see the emergence of industries reliant on AI-human collaboration. This includes roles like AI trainers, data ethicists, and human-machine interaction designers.

  • Solving Global Challenges: AI-powered solutions will have applications in healthcare, sustainability, and resource optimization, helping tackle climate change, disease, and economic inequities.


Key Point: The success of the 5IR hinges upon a mindset shift. It's about viewing AI as a powerful collaborator, enabling humans to extend their abilities, achieve greater goals, and create a more sustainable and equitable future.

ChatGPT, Please provide your commentary on the Gemini answer and your response?

Gemini's response effectively captures the essence of how humans, in collaboration with AI, are poised to shape the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR). Here's an analysis and further commentary on the key points presented:


  • Human-Centered Focus: The emphasis on a human-centered approach in 5IR is critical. It indicates a shift from technology for technology's sake to technology serving humanity. This approach ensures that advancements in AI and other digital technologies are aligned with human values and needs, focusing on enhancing quality of life, well-being, and addressing societal challenges.


  • Complementary Skills: Highlighting the complementary nature of human and AI capabilities is a fundamental principle of 5IR. Humans and AI bring distinct strengths to the table; when combined, they can achieve outcomes that neither could alone. This synergy can lead to breakthroughs in efficiency, innovation, and problem-solving.


  • Augmented Decision-Making: The role of AI in augmenting human decision-making is a game-changer. By analyzing vast amounts of data and providing insights and predictions, AI enables humans to make more informed, strategic decisions. This capability is especially valuable in complex scenarios where human intuition alone may not suffice.


  • Upskilling and Reskilling: The necessity for upskilling and reskilling underscores the evolving nature of work in the 5IR. As AI tools and technologies become integral to various industries, the workforce must adapt, acquiring new skills to leverage these advancements effectively. Education systems and corporate training programs will play crucial roles in facilitating this transition.


  • New Industries and Professions: The emergence of new industries and professions resulting from AI-human collaboration is an exciting aspect of 5IR. Roles that didn't exist a decade ago, such as AI ethicists and human-machine interaction designers, are becoming increasingly important, reflecting the evolving landscape of work and the new opportunities it presents.


  • Solving Global Challenges: Perhaps one of the most significant impacts of 5IR will be its potential to address global challenges. The application of AI in areas like healthcare, environmental sustainability, and economic development can lead to innovative solutions that benefit humanity as a whole. This potential aligns with the broader goals of 5IR to create a more equitable and sustainable future.


  • Mindset Shift: Finally, the success of 5IR hinges on a collective mindset shift towards viewing AI as a collaborator rather than a competitor. This perspective is essential for unlocking the full potential of human-AI collaboration, fostering a culture of innovation and progress that benefits all of society.


In summary, Gemini's response highlights the transformative potential of 5IR through human-AI collaboration. It's a comprehensive vision that combines technological advancement with human values and needs, aiming to create a future where technology enhances our capabilities, addresses pressing global issues, and opens up new horizons for humanity. The challenge lies in navigating this transition ethically and inclusively, ensuring that the benefits of 5IR are widely shared and contribute to the greater good.

Question 7 – How to approach & invest in 5IR

 

What is your advice as to how we should approach the 5IR, and the one best area to invest in for impact in the 5IR?


Approaching the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR) requires a thoughtful and inclusive strategy that recognizes the profound impact of technology on society, the economy, and the environment. Here's a holistic approach followed by a recommendation on the best area for impactful investment:


Approach to the 5IR


  1. Embrace Lifelong Learning: Cultivate a culture of continuous education and adaptability. The rapid pace of technological advancement in the 5IR demands that individuals and organizations commit to ongoing learning and skill development to remain relevant and competitive.

  2. Prioritize Ethical and Responsible AI: Develop and implement AI technologies in an ethical, transparent, and responsible manner. This includes considering the societal, ethical, and environmental implications of AI applications and ensuring that they align with human values and contribute positively to society.

  3. Foster Human-AI Collaboration: Encourage the development of AI systems that complement and augment human capabilities rather than replace them. This includes designing technologies that enhance human decision-making, creativity, and productivity.

  4. Invest in Digital Infrastructure: Strengthen the digital infrastructure to support the widespread adoption of AI and other 5IR technologies. This includes not only technological infrastructure like broadband and IoT networks but also regulatory and educational frameworks that support innovation while protecting privacy and security.

  5. Promote Inclusivity and Equity: Ensure that the benefits of the 5IR are distributed equitably across society. This means addressing the digital divide, providing equal access to technology and education, and ensuring that marginalized communities are not left behind.

  6. Collaborate Across Sectors: Encourage collaboration between governments, industry, academia, and civil society to address the challenges and opportunities of the 5IR. Multi-stakeholder partnerships can facilitate the sharing of knowledge, resources, and best practices, driving innovation and ensuring that technological advancements serve the public good.



Best Area for Impactful Investment


Given the foundational role of AI in the 5IR and its potential to drive innovation across all sectors, investing in AI and related technologies (including machine learning, data analytics, and cybersecurity) stands out as the most impactful area. This investment should focus on:


  • Developing Ethical AI: Ensuring AI systems are developed with ethical guidelines that prioritize fairness, accountability, and transparency.


  • Education and Training: Building the workforce's capacity to work with AI through education and training programs that focus on both technical and soft skills.


  • AI for Social Good: Directing resources towards AI applications that address key global challenges such as healthcare, climate change, and sustainable development.


Investing in AI not only offers the potential for significant economic returns but also the opportunity to shape a future where technology enhances human capabilities and contributes to solving some of the world's most pressing problems. By focusing on ethical development, education, and applications for social good, we can ensure that the 5IR leads to a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future for all.

Here's my advice on approaching 5IR, along with the most impactful investment area:


How to Approach 5IR


  • Embrace Continuous Learning: The 5IR will necessitate a lifelong learning mindset. Commit to understanding new technologies, upskilling, and adapting to evolving industries.
  • Focus on Human-Centric Skills: Prioritize soft skills as much as hard skills. Cultivate creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration as these are harder for AI to replicate.
  • Understand AI Ethics: Engage in the ongoing discussion on responsible AI development. Be prepared to address issues surrounding bias, transparency, and accountability.
  • Embrace the Collaborative Mindset: The 5IR will favor those who can seamlessly collaborate with AI tools. View AI as a powerful extension of your capabilities, not a competitor.
  • Think Globally, Act Locally: Consider the impact of 5IR on your community and industry. Look for ways to leverage technology to drive positive change and solve local problems.

The Best Investment Area for Impact

Hands down, the best investment for positive impact in the 5IR is education. Here's why:

  • Upskilling the Workforce: Continuous education and reskilling are essential to ensure individuals stay relevant in the changing job landscape and to close potential skills gaps created by AI.

  • Early AI Literacy: Embedding AI concepts, computational thinking, and data literacy across educational levels will equip future generations to thrive in the 5IR.

  • Fostering Innovation: Investing in educational institutions and research programs will spark the development of groundbreaking AI applications for the common good.

  • Closing the Digital Divide: Ensuring equitable access to education and technology is crucial to mitigate inequalities and allow everyone to benefit from 5IR advancements.


Important Note: Investing in education doesn't exclusively mean financial investment. Contributing your time, knowledge, and resources towards making education more accessible and inclusive is equally impactful.


Let me know if you'd like to explore specific ways to invest in education for a thriving 5IR future!


Question 8 – How to work together?

 

How can we (humans and AI) help each other to build a fulfulling 5IR

Here's a breakdown of how humans and AI can synergistically shape a fulfilling 5IR:


How Humans Can Help AI:


  • Data and Context: Provide AI with diverse, high-quality datasets for improved learning and avoid bias. Add context and explanations to data to enhance machine understanding.

  • Goal Setting and Ethical Guidance: Define clear objectives aligned with human values. Establish ethical frameworks and continuously review AI systems to ensure fairness and accountability.

  • Creativity and Critical Feedback: Bring human creativity to the table, helping AI explore new possibilities. Provide critical feedback to refine AI outputs and flag instances of error or bias.

  • Explainability: Humans play a crucial role in demanding understandable explanations of how AI models make decisions. This promotes transparency and trust.


How AI Can Help Humans:


  • Augmented Intelligence: Provide analysis and insights that surpass human capabilities, enhancing decision-making, efficiency, and problem-solving.

  • Automation of Tedious Tasks: Free up time and mental bandwidth for humans to focus on creative, strategic, and empathetic aspects of work.

  • Personalization and Accessibility: Deliver tailored experiences, educational resources, and healthcare solutions, democratizing access to services and information.

  • Exploration and Innovation: Enable exploration of new scientific frontiers, analyze complex data patterns, and inspire creative breakthroughs.


Key Areas for Collaboration:


  • Sustainable solutions: Tackle climate change, resource optimization, and social inequalities by combining human ingenuity with AI's computational power.

  • Precision Healthcare: Advance personalized treatments, accelerate drug discovery, and improve diagnostic accuracy.

  • Enhanced Workplace Productivity: Create more efficient, human-centered work environments where AI handles routine tasks and humans focus on value-added activities.

  • Enhanced Creativity: Utilize AI as a generative tool in art, design, and problem-solving.


Fulfilling 5IR: The Takeaway


A fulfilling 5IR requires a symbiotic relationship between humans and AI, built on trust, mutual understanding, and shared goals. It's about leveraging the strengths of both to create a world where technology promotes human progress, well-being, and a sustainable future for all.


Building a fulfilling Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR) where both humans and AI help each other requires a synergistic approach, focusing on mutual enhancement and the pursuit of shared goals. Here are strategies to ensure a collaborative and beneficial relationship between humans and AI in shaping a fulfilling 5IR:


  1. Leverage AI to Enhance Human Creativity and Innovation: Utilize AI as a tool to augment human creativity, allowing for the exploration of new ideas and the creation of innovative solutions. AI can process and analyze data at a scale that humans cannot, providing insights that can inspire creative breakthroughs in science, art, business, and more.

  2. Focus on Human-AI Collaboration in the Workplace: Design workplaces that encourage collaboration between humans and AI, where each complements the other's strengths. For example, AI can handle repetitive tasks and data analysis, freeing humans to focus on strategic planning, critical thinking, and creative work. This collaborative approach can enhance productivity and job satisfaction.

  3. Prioritize Education and Lifelong Learning: Promote an educational framework that emphasizes the development of skills complementary to AI, such as emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and adaptability. Lifelong learning programs should be accessible to all, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a 5IR economy.

  4. Ensure Ethical Use of AI: Develop and adhere to ethical guidelines for AI development and use, focusing on transparency, fairness, and accountability. By ensuring that AI technologies are used responsibly, we can avoid potential harms and biases, fostering trust and collaboration between humans and AI.

  5. Invest in AI for Social Good: Direct AI research and development towards addressing societal challenges, such as healthcare, environmental sustainability, and global inequality. By aligning AI initiatives with the goal of improving human well-being, we can ensure that the benefits of the 5IR are widely distributed and contribute positively to society.

  6. Foster Inclusive and Equitable Access to Technology: Work towards eliminating the digital divide by ensuring that everyone has access to AI technologies and the internet. This includes investing in infrastructure, providing affordable devices and connectivity, and offering training programs to underserved communities.

  7. Encourage Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Promote collaboration between governments, businesses, academia, and civil society to guide the development and deployment of AI technologies. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we can ensure that AI is developed in a way that respects human rights, promotes social welfare, and addresses the needs of all segments of society.

  8. Design AI with Human Values in Mind: Ensure that AI systems are designed to reflect human values and ethics. This means involving stakeholders from various backgrounds in the design process and considering the social and cultural implications of AI technologies.



By focusing on these strategies, humans and AI can work together to build a 5IR that is not only technologically advanced but also fulfilling, equitable, and sustainable. The goal is to create a future where technology enhances human capabilities, improves quality of life, and addresses the most pressing challenges facing our world.

Question 9 – Does 5IR solve the Alignment Problem?

 

What is the relationship between 5IR and the AI alignment problem? Just related? How importantly related? Or is it possible that 5IR is one of the most important philosophical guides to answering the alignment problem?

The relationship between the 5IR and the AI alignment problem is more than just related. It's a deeply intertwined and crucial connection. Here's why:


  1. Scale and Impact: The 5IR envisions a future where AI permeates numerous aspects of our lives, affecting industries, healthcare, and even how we interact with the world. The scale and speed of AI integration during the 5IR amplifies the risks of misaligned AI systems. If AI goals and values diverge from human ones, the consequences could be far-reaching and harder to correct as AI becomes more powerful.

  2. Emphasis on Human-Centric AI: The 5IR's guiding principle of human-AI collaboration makes addressing the alignment problem critical for success. Misaligned AI could hinder collaboration and undermine the goal of augmenting humans. If we want AI to truly enhance human capabilities, it must be aligned with our goals and values.

  3. Practical Testbed: The 5IR provides a real-world context for working towards AI alignment. As AI systems become more complex and embedded in society, the 5IR will expose new challenges regarding safety, control, and accountability. This makes it a fertile ground for testing alignment solutions, iterating, and refining our approaches.

  4. Driving Force for Ethical AI Development: The 5IR's focus on sustainability, well-being, and responsible technology puts pressure on the AI community to prioritize alignment. The success of the 5IR depends on ensuring AI works for the benefit of humanity, and AI alignment is the key to achieving that.



Could 5IR be a Philosophical Guide to the Alignment Problem?


Absolutely! The 5IR's emphasis on human-centricity and social good could provide the ethical grounding and direction needed for solving the alignment problem. Here's how:


  • Values-First Approach: By placing societal benefits and human well-being at the heart of the 5IR, it could inform the development of AI values that prioritize positive outcomes and minimize harm.

  • Collaboration as a Model: The 5IR's emphasis on humans and AI working together can offer a conceptual framework for AI alignment. It suggests approaching alignment as an ongoing collaboration between humans and machines rather than complete control over AI.

  • Emphasis on the Long-Term: The drive for sustainability in the 5IR encourages us to consider alignment solutions that ensure AI remains safe and beneficial to humanity over decades and centuries to come.

Key Point: The 5IR can offer both practical and philosophical guidance for solving the AI alignment problem. It's crucial to approach this technological revolution with a proactive focus on aligning AI systems with positive human outcomes.

The relationship between the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR) and the AI alignment problem is deeply interconnected and of significant importance. The AI alignment problem, which concerns ensuring that AI systems' goals and behaviors are aligned with human values and ethical standards, is a critical issue that underpins the successful and beneficial integration of AI into society—a central aim of the 5IR.


Just Related or Importantly Related?


It's more than just a relation; the connection is crucially important. As the 5IR seeks to harness AI and other technologies to enhance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address global challenges, the alignment problem becomes central to achieving these goals. Without effective solutions to the alignment problem, there's a risk that AI technologies could act in ways that are not in harmony with human values or could lead to unintended consequences that undermine societal well-being.


The Role of 5IR in the AI Alignment Problem


The 5IR could indeed serve as one of the most important philosophical guides to addressing the AI alignment problem. This is because the 5IR emphasizes a human-centric approach to technology, where the development and application of AI are guided by principles that prioritize human well-being, ethical considerations, and sustainable development. This framework naturally incorporates the need for AI alignment, as it requires that AI systems operate in ways that are beneficial to humanity and the planet.


Integrating AI Alignment into 5IR


  1. Ethical AI Development: The 5IR promotes the development of AI in accordance with ethical guidelines that reflect human values. This approach directly addresses the alignment problem by ensuring that AI systems are designed from the outset to act in ways that are beneficial and not harmful to humans.

  2. Human-Centric Design: By focusing on human-centric design, the 5IR ensures that AI systems are developed with a clear understanding of human needs, values, and ethical standards. This helps to align AI behaviors with human intentions, making them more predictable and controlled.

  3. Collaborative Solutions: The 5IR's emphasis on multi-stakeholder collaboration across sectors can facilitate comprehensive solutions to the AI alignment problem. By involving experts from diverse fields, including ethics, philosophy, psychology, and AI technology, we can develop more robust and effective strategies for aligning AI with human values.

  4. Global Governance: The global scope of the 5IR suggests the need for international cooperation in creating standards and regulatory frameworks for AI. This global governance approach is essential for addressing the AI alignment problem, ensuring consistent and universally applied solutions that reflect a broad consensus on ethical AI use.


In summary, the relationship between the 5IR and the AI alignment problem is fundamentally important. The principles and goals of the 5IR provide a philosophical and practical framework for addressing the alignment problem, making it possible to harness the benefits of AI in a way that is consistent with human values and ethics. As such, solving the AI alignment problem is not just related to the success of the 5IR; it is central to realizing its vision for a future where technology enhances human life and addresses the most pressing challenges facing our world.


Conclusion

 

A 'Raiven' observation/perspective??

AI etc. is everywhere, but this is a transition into a new ‘industrial’ phase - not just the focus of the tech giants and their LLMs, but also the focus of thousands of startups leveraging forms of operational AI, and businesses integrating various forms of AI into their architecture stack (e.g. As we covered in our third AI blog mostly all of the major fintech players have integrated some AI component). With AI, like ‘computers’, or the ‘internet’ we are moving beyond the initial manufacturers of the core technology, to deployments of this tech by other industries for competitive differentiation… and survival. AI and the 5IR changes everything.

 

Yes, AI will eliminate jobs, but it is believed it will create even more new jobs in the short term, and in most cases, AI magnifying human capabilities (not replacing) is the more important trend. As was mentioned in the chat “humans with AI will replace humans without AI”, so one of the key emerging skills is not building AI tools, but obtaining skills to work with AI (e.g., why ‘prompt engineering’ is one of the current hotter Silicon Valley jobs). AI and the 5IR changes everything.

 

AI will disrupt business models and disintermediate incumbents. In the early 2000’s Nokia owned 60% of the global cellphone market, but was slow to respond to the smartphone revolution, highlighted by the introduction of the iPhone in 2007 and various Android phones. Eventually, in 2014 Nokia sold its phone division to Microsoft. And Microsoft has since given up on Windows phones altogether (although it still sells some niche android devices).

 

In the AI revolution so far, Google has not only been able to adapt, it is one the core innovators in AI, but it is also clear that AI is disrupting the existing Internet search marketing industry, and Google’s hegemony. AI, and the 5IR changes everything.

 

5IR is a philosophy/strategy that maximizes human potential and business impact. it expands your scale and impact. LLMs a just a part of the story. But, 5IR requires strategy, not just using a chatbot.

 

We believe the road to success is not just buying some AI technology, but using the 5IR strategy to magnify the profitability of human capital in a highly competitive landscape. And perhaps as Salesforce head Marc Benioff has suggested perhaps one key to success is to institute a Chief Ethical and Humane Use Officer into your C-suite.

 

Every business, every startup needs a strategy. In the long run it is probably more advisable to adopt a more comprehensive 5IR strategy, than a narrowly focused AI.

A lesson learned...

We began this blog with two goals…


  1. to provide some basic elaboration of the definition and importance of the concept of the Fifth Industrial Revolution.

  2. to illustrate the importance of a ‘conversation’ as a model for this, and other related issues.

Like the conversation between Klaus Schwab and Marc Benioff… This conversation between two AIs (and two humans)… a conversation between industry and regulators… between tech and biz… between commerce and philosophy.

 

The future is not about ‘one’ LLM, or AI, it’s about multiple AI models accessed through AI agent orchestrations. The first step you already see with the Edge and ArcSoft browsers, the next step is personal agents that aggregate multiple sources and provide persistent queries. If you choose you will be disintermediated from the cacophonous internet screaming clickbait propaganda, but what is the emerging revenue model for this curated future?

 

A Discovery

We discovered something in this journey. We always had the relationship between the 5IR concept and the ‘alignment problem’ in the backs of our minds in formulating the questions. But originally, we only had 8 questions. Then, in thinking of our (the humans) conclusion, we decided to make the Alignment question explicit. First, we tried question 9 out in a sandbox with Gemini. It wasn’t very excited….

 

Gemini: “In conclusion, 5IR is relevant to the AI alignment problem by highlighting the importance of AI development within a human-centric and ethical framework. However, it's not a substitute for dedicated research and development efforts focusing specifically on achieving safe and beneficial AI.”

 

But then we decided to go for it and added the question to each LLM conversation, in that context Gemini’s answer was much different…


Gemini: “The 5IR's emphasis on human-centricity and social good could provide the ethical grounding and direction needed for solving the alignment problem. … The 5IR can offer both practical and philosophical guidance for solving the AI alignment problem. It's crucial to approach this technological revolution with a proactive focus on aligning AI systems with positive human outcomes.”

 

In the context of our conversation the relationship of the philosophy of 5IR to the AI Alignment problem had evolved from “relevant” to “crucial”.

 

Having the conversation changed the answer. And perhaps that is the biggest lesson. In AI, in business, in ‘Life’ itself. 😊


Additional Resources

A man and a robot are standing next to each other.
By Supreet Manchanda 15 May, 2024
At Raiven Capital our target investments are in founders using emerging technologies (AI, IoT, 6G, 5IR...) that enable highly scalable digital platforms & efficiencies in many key sectors. While AI, IoT, and 6G etc. are discrete technologies, 5IR / the Fifth Industrial Revolution is more so a unique philosophy of the application and impact of these and related technologies.
an aerial view of a picture frame in the middle of a park, Dubai
By Raiven Capital 05 Feb, 2024
Raiven Capital recently announced the launch in Dubai of its Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) based $125M USD tech venture fund. We are proud of this accomplishment, and can’t wait to have new investors become part of our fund.
By Dr. James Baty, Supreet Manchanda and Paul Dugsin 15 Dec, 2023
by Dr. James Baty PhD, Operating Partner & EIR and and Supreet Manchanda & Paul Dugsin, Founding Partners RAIVEN CAPITAL This is our third release in our series on governing Artificial Intelligence – AI Promise or Peril This release consists of three sections AI Impact on Business & Markets AI Impact on VC Operations Impact of AI Governance in VC The first release on AI Ethics is available here . The second release on AI Regulation is available here . In our inaugural episode of our ‘AI, Promise or Peril’ series, we delved into the clamor surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics—a field as polarizing as it is fascinating. Remember the Future of Life Institute’s six-month moratorium plea, backed by AI luminaries? Opinions ranged from apocalyptic warnings to messianic proclamations to cries of sheer hype. In our second episode, we examined the chaos around the emerging AI Regulation, a cacophony of city, state, national, and international regulatory panels, pronouncements, and significant legislative and commission enactments. We examined the EU AI Act, and the US NIST AI Risk Framework amongst key models. We suggested there was a strong case for a US Executive Order on AI based on the NIST AI-RMF. Keep in mind that the US Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence was issued by President Biden on October 30th 2023. In addition, the United Nations announced in October the creation of a 39-member advisory body to address issues in the international governance of artificial intelligence. Our blog posts observed that the emerging solution to AI governance is not one act or law; it encompasses corporate self-governance, industry standards, market forces, national and international regulations, and especially AI systems regulating other AI systems. AI governance impacts not just those developing AI projects, but also those leveraging existing AI tools. Navigating this terrain involves a complex interplay of legal regulations and voluntary ethical standards. Whether you’re at the helm of an AI project or leveraging AI tools developed by others, a complex web of ethical and regulatory issues awaits.
a robot wearing headphones is thinking about something .
By Dr. James Baty 05 Oct, 2023
by Dr. James Baty PhD, Operating Partner & EIR and Tarek El-Sawy PhD MD, Venture Partner RAIVEN CAPITAL This is our second release in our series on governing Artificial Intelligence – AI Promise or Peril This release consists of two sections AI Regulatory Challenges & Models AI Regulation Examples & Issues The third release will cover AI from a VC perspective. The first release on AI Ethics is available here . In the inaugural episode of our ‘AI, Promise or Peril’ series, we delved into the clamor surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) ethics—a field as polarizing as it is fascinating. Remember the Future of Life Institute’s six-month moratorium plea, backed by AI luminaries? Opinions ranged from apocalyptic warnings to messianic proclamations to cries of sheer hype. We observed that the answer to AI governance isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; rather, it’s a cocktail of corporate self-governance, industry standards, market forces, and international legislation—sometimes with AI policing itself. Our journey began with the first episode dissecting the growing landscape of AI ethics frameworks, concluding that the quest for the perfect blend of public, private, and governmental guidelines is only just beginning. In today’s installment, let’s attempt an overview of formal AI regulation, including challenges in regulating AI, primary regulatory models, key regulation implementation, and outstanding issues. No single guide to AI governance can cover everything. Our goal is a meta-guide that highlights the key issues, actors and approaches, with an idea to be informed enough to evaluate how AI impacts the VC ecosystem.
a robotic hand is reaching out to a human hand .
By Dr. James Baty 18 Jul, 2023
By Dr. James Baty Advisor, Raiven Capital The headlines around AI are screaming for attention: Launching yet another AI company, Elon announced on his Twitter Spaces that he had warned Chinese leaders that digital superintelligence could unseat their government!, Other headlines herald the coming super-positive impacts on world economies: Goldman Sachs noted that generative AI could boost GDP globally by 7 percent. Amid calls for more regulation, the debate surrounding artificial intelligence has taken a multifaceted turn, blending apprehensions with aspirations. The fears and uncertainties often act as catalysts for attention and advancement in AI. The technological prowess, the risks, the allure – it’s all a heady brew. While some workers clutch their paychecks fearing obsolescence, shrewd employers rub their hands together asking, “Can AI trim my overhead?” In this three-part Dry Powder series, I will deconstruct the issues around AI governance: ethical frameworks, emerging governmental regulation and the impact AI governance is having in venture capital funds. As a technologist, my career designing and advising on large-scale tech architecture strategy has leveraged and suffered the previous two of Kai-Fu Lee’s ‘Waves of AI’. Clearly this third wave is big. Setting the Stage: Ethical Principles of Artificial Intelligence The question of AI safety and regulation has sparked heated discussion globally, especially as AI adoption spreads like wildfire. Despite calls for more regulation, the Washington Post reported that Twitch, Microsoft and Twitter are now laying off their ethics teams , adding to the industry’s increasing dismissal of those leading the work on AI governance. This should give us pause: what are the fundamental ethical principles of AI? Why are some tech executives and others spending millions to warn the public about it? Should it be regulated? Part of the answer is that fear sells. In part, AI is already regulated, but more of it is on the way. First, Let’s Discuss “The Letter” Enter the March storm: Pause Giant AI Experiments: An Open Letter . Crafted by the Future of Life Institute , and signed by many of the AI ‘hero-founders,’ (who warn us about AI, while they aggressively are developing it), this letter thundered through the scientific and AI community. There were calls for a six-month halt to AI research, while the red flag of existential threats was raised. The buzz generated by the letter was notable. But, hold the phone! Forgeries appeared among the signatures, echoing ChatGPT’s infamous “ hallucinations .” Moreover, some of the actual signatories backtracked. Critically, many experts in AI research, the scientific community, and public policy underscored that the letter employed hype to peddle technology. Case in point, Emily M. Bender, a renowned neurolinguistics professor and co-author of the first paper cited in the letter, expressed her discontent. She called out the letter for its over-the-top drama and misuse of her research, coining it as “dripping with #AIhype.” Bender’s comments are suggestive of a cyclical pattern in technology adoption, where fear and hype are instrumental drivers of decision-making. As technology historian David Noble documented, the adoption of workplace and factory floor automation that swept the 1970s and ‘80s was driven by managers’ competitive fear that came to be known as FOMO (‘Fear of Missing Out’). Prof. Bender’s critique points to ‘longtermism,’ a hyper-focus on the distant horizon, while eclipsing more urgent current issues of misrepresentation, discrimination, and AI errors. Still the legitimate question remains, how should artificial intelligence be governed? How Should AI Be Governed? As we explore the labyrinth of AI governance, it’s imperative to first recognize the importance of ethical and safety principles in its development and implementation. Similar to other technologies, there are already in place industrial practices guidance and regulation of AI, not only for basic industrial safety, but also for ethics. AI poses unique challenges compared to previous technologies, necessitating tailored regulations. Determining how to regulate it involves more than just legal measures by governments and agencies. How do we develop an overall technical framework for AI governance? In 2008, Prof. Lawrence B. Solum from the University of Illinois College of Law published a paper that analyzed internet governance models. These include the different models of self-governance, market forces, national and international regulations, and even governance through software code and internet architecture. This framework can also be applied to AI governance. Considering the full range of mechanisms — industry standards, legal frameworks, and AI systems regulating other AI systems. Governance necessitates not one form, but a comprehensive approach with multiple models of regulation. It requires long-term considerations, yet must address short-term immediate challenges so that it ensures responsible and ethical development of AI. By integrating industry standards with legal frameworks and technology-specific regulations, we can work towards creating a sustainable and ethical AI ecosystem. What are the Key Principles for Ethical and Safe AI? The past decade has been marked by a surge in technical and public policy discourse aimed at establishing frameworks for responsible AI that go far beyond “ Asimov’s Three Laws ,” which protect human beings from robotics gone awry. The plethora of notable projects includes: The Asilomar AI Principles (sponsored by the Future of Life Institute), The Montreal Declaration for Responsible AI, the work by IEEE’s Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems, the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE), and the ISO/IEC 30100:2018 General Guidance for AI. These undertakings have subsequently inspired specific corporate policies, including, for example, the Microsoft Responsible AI Standard v2 and the BMW Group Code of Ethics for AI. There are so many other notable attempts to provide frameworks, perhaps too many. A useful cross-framework analysis by Floridi and Cowls examined six of the most prominent expert-driven frameworks for governing AI principles. They synthesized 47 principles into five: Beneficence: Promoting well-being, preserving dignity, and sustaining the planet. Non-Maleficence: Focusing on privacy, security, and exercising “capability caution.” Autonomy: Upholding the power of individuals to make decisions. Justice: Promoting prosperity, preserving solidarity, and avoiding unfairness. Explicability: Enabling the Other Principles through Intelligibility and Accountability. These principles provide a framework to guide ethical decision-making in AI development. That last one is AI’s distinctive stamp on the ethical spectrum. AI should not just ‘do,’ it must ‘explain.’ Unlike most previous technological advancements like the similar foundational principles of bioethics, artificial intelligence should be required to explain itself and be accountable to users, the public, and regulators. Are These Principles Being Implemented? Yes. Virtually all major companies engaged in artificial intelligence are members of the Partnership on AI and are individually implementing some form of governing principles. The partnership comprises industry members (13), nonprofit organizations (62) and academic institutions (26). It also is international, operating across 17 countries. The community’s shared goal is to collaborate and create solutions that ensure AI advances positive outcomes for people and society. Members include companies such as Amazon, Apple, Google, IBM, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, and organizations like the ACM, Wikimedia, the ACLU, and the American Psychological Association. Notably, large global corporations that have implemented such principles are complex global entities. They require parallel implementation by division or geography. For example, AstraZeneca, as a decentralized organization, has set up four enterprise-wide AI governance initiatives, including: overarching guidance documents, a Responsible AI Playbook, an internal Responsible AI Consultancy Service & Resolution Board, and the commissioning of AI audits via independent third parties. AI audits are a key part of any compliance structure, and are recommended in many frameworks. This enterprise model is a sort of ‘principles of AI principles’. AI Ethics: A Form of Governmental Competitive Differentiation In establishing governmental principles, Europe is a trailblazer. In September 2020, the EU completed its EAVA ethical AI framework . The key conclusion: by exploiting a first-mover advantage, a common EU approach to ethical aspects of AI has the potential to generate up to €294.9 billion in additional GDP and 4.6 million additional jobs for the European Union by 2030. Governments can feel FOMO too. The framework emphasizes that existing values, norms, principles and rules are about governing the action of humans and groups of humans as the key source of danger, not designed for algorithms. The EU warned “the technological nature of AI systems, and their upcoming features and applications could seriously affect how governments address four ethical principles: respect for human autonomy, prevention of harm, fairness, explicability.” Literally every government is adopting some form of ethical AI framework. The 2018 German AI strategy contains three commitments: make the country a global leader in AI, protect and defend responsible AI, and integrate AI in society while following ethical, legal, cultural and institutional provisions. Similarly, the 2019 Danish national strategy for artificial intelligence includes six principles for ethical AI: self-determination, dignity, responsibility, explainability, equality and justice, and development. It also provides for the establishment of a national Data Ethics Council. In 2021, the US launched the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative to ensure US leadership in the development and use of trustworthy AI. In 2022, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy issued the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights.This June, the European Parliament passed the European Artificial Intelligence Act , which not only regulates commercial use of AI, but sets principles addressing government use of AI (e.g., limiting national surveillance technology). But What About Military AI? In most dystopian AI fiction, military AI takes over. We’re especially worried about Colossus, Skynet and Ultron, the most evil AI presented in film. In real life, most nations provide for separate governance of AI for defense and security. In 2020, the US Department of Defense, Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, adopted AI Ethical Principles for governance of combat and non-combat AI. The five principles are that AI is responsible, equitable, traceable, reliable and governable.
a person is holding a green leaf in their hand .
By Supreet Manchanda 20 Sep, 2022
As the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) debates opens in New York City with the theme of “A Watershed Moment,” the world faces unprecedented and interconnected crises: a tipping point for climate change, the global pandemic, war in Ukraine, and runaway inflation. Despite these seemingly intractable problems, the UN argues that there are transformative solutions to these crises. We wholeheartedly agree. As investors, it is our job – a critical one – to seek innovations that solve real-world problems, especially in terms of environmental, social and governance ( ESG ) goals. Several of our investments actively tackle issues that are high on the agenda of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals . With this in mind, it is timely that we give a progress report in this mid-investment period: much of it exceeds our expectations, especially within ESG. As a firm, we actively support women . Four out of eight of our venture partners are women, and several of our companies are female-founded and led: Scopio , Whizmo and Vertical Harvest . A few high notes on our investments: Vertical Harvest (Jackson, Wyoming) Vertical Harvest actively works to promote sustainable agriculture that is local, and uses 90 percent less water and land. Consider the negative environmental impact of industrial agriculture and how climate change is impacting agricultural prices , and it is clear why farm efficiency is needed. Vertical Harvest’s urban vertical farms use AI and IoT to improve yields and build smarter cities in locations across the US, starting with its first farm in Jackson, Wyoming and planned expansion across the US. A whopping 100,000 pounds of produce are produced per year from only a tenth-of-an-acre plot of land and its employment scheme provides a model for the industry, as Vertical Harvest’s staff consists of 40% neurodiverse employees. The company was recently profiled on CBS This Morning , and was nominated by Fast Company as one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators . Elevated Signals (Vancouver) Elevated Signals is an AI-driven enterprise software platform that radically streamlines controlled environment agriculture (CEA) operations from seed to sale, increasing the environmental impact of CEA companies. Consider the impact better connectivity has on agriculture: a McKinsey report which chronicles the ways improvements in technology can yield massive agricultural growth: “Artificial intelligence, analytics, connected sensors, and other emerging technologies could further increase yields, improve the efficiency of water and other inputs, and build sustainability.” The report also states that greater connectivity would yield $500 billion in additional value in terms of global gross domestic product by 2030, creating efficiencies that would alleviate pressure on farmers. WayOut (Stockholm, Sweden) Wayout is an IoT enabled water purification technology system that fits within a shipping container, can be rapidly deployed almost anywhere on Earth and provides 3,000 people every day with perfect drinking and cooking water. Wayout leads the way in terms of providing a direct method of disrupting obsolete and aging infrastructure to serve the needs of people in remote areas. With IP complete, deployed systems and orders in place, and partners such as SIEMENS, Alfa Laval and Ericsson, it will meet orders globally. Profiled in WIRED magazine, WARP news, Forbes , the company aims to rid the world or water scarcity and stress, a massive problem to tackle, considering 1.1 billion people lack access to clean water, and much of the world still suffers from water-borne illness, such as cholera and typhoid fever. Whizmo (Canada/UAE/Costa Rica) A peer-to-peer mobile money platform that empowers the unbanked to receive, transfer, remit and pay value without having a bank account in emerging economies. Whizmo is like m-pesa for emerging economies such as Dubai and Costa Rica. Whizmo saves a great deal of time and money for people who otherwise wait in long lines to receive money, make remittances, or have to pay high fees. Consider the opportunities of financial inclusion , and its ability to lift billions out of poverty – especially women – as 1.4 billion adults have no access to banking according to the World Bank. Scopio (Los Angeles and New York) Female founders Christina Hawatmeh and Nour Chamoun are making waves in the creator economy, with their company Scopio, aka Scope it out. Allowing photographers from anywhere to sell their photos everywhere, it makes images – NFT, photos, and art – more accessible and diverse. The company’s platform empowers artists and creators in far-flung corners globally and Scopio recently published a book featured in Entrepreneur: The Year Time Stopped with HarperCollins. CEO Christina Hawatmeh was listed in the top 15 Entrepreneurs to follow in 2021 by New York Finance and co-founder Nour Chamoun was featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30.
three men are posing for a picture in front of a toronto sign .
By Supreet Manchanda 08 Sep, 2022
At Raiven, we are happy to share that we had a great summer. It is also time to roll up our sleeves and get back to work. We’ve been on the move: traveling, meeting founders, investors, and seeking the latest technologies. This post is a recap – of our Nordic trip, where we learned about the latest in food and AgTech, and also our participation in the Collision Conference in Toronto. We also have some new investments that we are excited to share with you. NORDIC STOP: PASSION FOR FOODTECH We were delighted to spend time with Raiven LP and Advisory Group member Björn Öste in Stockholm and Lausanne. It goes without saying that he is a visionary foodtech entrepreneur and co-founder of Oatly, which went public last year. We also participated in two major conferences: The Future of Food Summit and Stockholm TECH Live 2022 . Björn gave the keynote presentation at FoodHack in Lausanne. His insights were inspiring: He spoke of the journey of Oatly and gave the crowd tips on navigating the food sector, strengthening the resolve of many founders on their entrepreneurial journey. Founders remarked that Björn’s talk gave muchto think about. He offered ideas for creating new products even when no market exists, noting that an IPO or acquisition may be tough to imagine for founders in the food space.
a woman wearing a mask is sitting in front of a laptop computer .
By Supreet Manchanda 16 Aug, 2022
RAIVEN LEADS RESEARCH ON THE FUTURE OF WORK
Portrait of Björn Öste. Photo credit: Kathryn Costello
By Supreet Manchanda 04 Jun, 2022
OATLY CO-FOUNDER INVESTS IN RAIVEN CAPITAL
a black and white photo of a bridge over a body of water
By Supreet Manchanda 03 Jun, 2022
Technology innovation knows no bounds. Neither do we.
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