Artificial Intelligence : an approach for sustainable and inclusive futures

Artificial intelligence is the third wave of the digital revolution. The very last breakthroughs from Generative AI and Large Language Models - in text generation, translation, summarization, and more - dramatically accelerate the deep change that appeared in 2010’s. Automating usual, yet cognitive, tasks is a turnabout, not only for shifts in the workforce but also for a wide range of economic sectors and social behaviors, that needs to be taken into account as soon as possible by a wide range of public, private and civil society actors worldwide.

Expertise France has already started working with partners, Governments, NGOs and private sector alike, to help them make the most of the take-off of artificial intelligence. Multistakeholder approach and inclusive AI are at the center of our activities.

AI is game-changing, so must our policy toolbox

Expertise France works closely with French entities and international partners to design and implement bilateral and multistakeholders’ cooperation projects, with the objectives to strengthen local capacities providing high-quality technical expertise and ultimately help partner countries achieve their sustainable development goals. Already working alongside our partners, in Senegal and Greece, the agency has supported the process of formulation of National AI strategies.

AI is in a moment of “plasticity”:  governance, ethic principles, and rules of AI are intensively discussed at the moment, and are about to crystalize in the world, including for our partners, that should make their voices heard and considered. Consistently with the EU willing to develop programs aiming at developing & deploying AI in accordance with the Global Gateway strategy, Expertise France advocates for a strong initiative to be deployed during the next 3-4 years. Its objectives would be to leverage AI for economic growth, build capabilities for countries’ AI readiness, and to support regulations based on Responsible AI.

To succeed, it is of high importance to address challenges, discriminations, and risks generated by AI through an inclusive approach giving the floor to local and grassroots stakeholders first. Fixing AI bias, designing responsible and impactful policies, and building AI-powered solutions for a more sustainable planet, implies putting inclusiveness and local content at the heart of our programs and activities.

A hollistic and empowering approach

Addressing issues surrounding AI requires a holistic and empowering approach based on a renewed policy toolbox, from development and regulations to deployment of AI.

Expertise France deeply believes that our partner countries or stakeholders shall find their own path in AI take-off. Hence the agency will mobilize knowledge, know-how, and research expertise in an open, mindful, and inclusive way giving our partners the opportunity and capability to build their own AI development model.

The guiding principles of Expertise France’s actions when it comes to Artificial Intelligence are:

• Sustainable Growth: AI can play a pivotal role in contributing to Digital and Green transitions, addressing environmental and economic challenges simultaneously.
   
• Promoting local content & cultural awareness: There is no one size fits all. AI solutions must be built to meet local and cultural & social contexts.
   
• Building Capabilities: Investing in AI capabilities, from digital infrastructure to workforce up-skilling & digital literacy, is crucial to help partners to keep with the pace of the AI race.
   
• Responsible AI: Sustainable development also comes from trustworthiness. A step further from human rights, privacy protection, transparency, explainability, robustness, human control and data sovereignty, Expertise France will help partners to find their way in implementing these principles in a sound way consistent with peculiar local & cultural contexts.

Consistently with the EU Global Gateway strategy, activities would concern Data & Computer Power, Governance and Regulatory Framework, Universal and Affordable Access, Secure connectivity, Skills & Literacy, Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity & Disinformation, and the Green deal.