As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes our world, the need for rigorous, evidence-based research to inform ethical and forward-thinking policy has never been greater. This Roadmap for AI Policy Research, a collaborative effort by participants of the AI Policy Summit, outlines key priorities for advancing research that strengthens AI governance and human-centered AI.
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With Artificial intelligence (AI) development and adoption advancing at an unprecedented pace, policymakers and regulators are encountering both significant challenges and opportunities. The challenges emerge from the disconnect between the fragmented & at times siloed policy & technology landscapes, whilst the opportunities relate to novel insights and capabilities afforded to decision-makers to strengthen the evidence base for sustainable policy. While AI offers transformative potential, it also poses substantial risks, such as biases, inequalities, and threats to privacy and security. In this context, AI policy research has emerged as an essential guide to navigating the complex interplay between technological innovation and societal impact. It ensures that advancements in AI align with ethical, legal, and social priorities. AI policy research provides the evidence base needed to address these challenges, fostering accountability, transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in AI governance. It also helps anticipate future regulatory needs, bridge the gap between stakeholders, and ensure that AI technologies are deployed responsibly and equitably, contributing to sustainable development and the public good.
This roadmap, developed through collaborative discussions at the recent AI Policy Research Summit, reflects a shared vision for advancing research on responsible AI policy and governance. It emphasizes the critical role of policy research in ensuring that AI development is guided by robust evidence, ethical considerations, and a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and the well-being of humans and the planet, this roadmap highlights how research can inform global approaches to AI governance, addressing complex societal needs and ethical challenges. It serves as a guiding framework for stakeholders across academia, industry, government, and civil society to collaborate in generating actionable insights and evidence-based strategies, noting that while evidence-based AI policy often draws on data-driven research, it equally values critical theoretical insights and fundamental rights approaches, ensuring a holistic understanding that extends beyond the purely quantifiable.
The AI Policy Summit “Framing the Future: A Collaborative Summit on Research on AI Policy and Governance” took place on November 14-15, 2024, in Stockholm. Organized by AI Policy Lab at Umeå University and Mila – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, the summit brought together leading researchers to discuss challenges, opportunities, and strategies for advancing AI policy and governance. Through dynamic discussions and workshops, participants explored ways to shape the future of AI policy research.
SEI report / This report provides guidance for Malmö to leverage sufficiency-oriented approaches to reduce consumption-based emissions and engage citizens in climate action.
Other publication / This report aims to explain what factors are influencing the viability of different technology options.
Journal article / This paper argues AI should be governed as a global commons, with coordinated regulation across social, planetary, and safety domains.
