[expert opinion] democratizing AI knowledge to open up the field of possibilities

So, given these disparities, and the importance of intelligence in our daily lives, are we on the threshold of a new digital divide? Even though the problem observed with the emergence of the Internet has not yet subsided, according to the Senate's information mission "Fight against illectronism and for digital inclusion", 14 million French people do not master digital and almost one in two is not comfortable with these tools. Increased difficulties in finding employment, social exclusion, the lack of digital skills is a handicap for many activities, and the State continues to pursue public policies to combat this divide.?

Boarding as many as possible now

In order to reduce this disparity in relation to artificial intelligence, it is essential to distinguish between theory and practice. With regard to the latter, there is no shortage of examples of practical applications. Detection of covid particles in the lungs of infected patients, automatic classification of banking transactions, every moment in our lives can be linked to AI. Thanks to repeated use, the interest of this new technology becomes clearer and prompts a desire to dig a little further.

For theory, popularization is the only way to reach as many people as possible and to make artificial intelligence less mystical. The scientific sphere remains rather closed, and no matter how brilliant our researchers and experts are, too few do and can make this effort.? However, everyone should be able to explain in concise and understandable terms what this new technology represents and how it works in order to move towards knowledge sharing.

Finally, AI must include, from its conception, an explanatory and pedagogical dimension. This involves the design of the solution by involving the user at each step so that its use and operation can be better assimilated. In other words, if the machine makes a decision, the elements on which the choice is based must be explained.

With the help of all institutions

As part of their efforts to achieve digital inclusion, public policies must play a central role in promoting the spread and understanding of artificial intelligence. There is a need for tailor-made training, where AI becomes a learning tool so that individuals can take advantage of the machine rather than compete with it. This struggle for knowledge is also that of emancipation. The expectations are there, as 75% of French people say they are in favour of creating a learning and sharing device for artificial intelligence, according to IA for my people.

This approach must also be continued and intensified with young people in order to establish a common foundation around artificial intelligence. It is a whole universe of learning that must be opened up within national education, beginning with coding. More than giving them an exact definition of it, we need to give young people the opportunity and the ability to take advantage of this tool so that they can tame its creative potential.

To dream bigger

Just as the Internet has come to change our daily lives, artificial intelligence will irrigate our society. It's there to automate and help us make better decisions. Without man, his development would make no sense. This use of the human factor, which is essential to the design of artificial intelligence, must be accompanied. In order for this use to be meaningful, it is imperative that everyone has access to this new field of possibilities.

We are at a crossroads, we must invest in knowledge sharing to take advantage of this tremendous lever of opportunity and growth. As AI progresses, we need to adapt our training to ensure that our society and economy as a whole benefit from its benefits. According to a report by the International data Corporation (IDC), global revenues from the artificial intelligence market are expected to reach $341.8 billion in 2021. A substantial amount that is expected to rise again in 2022, with an increase of 18.8%. However, only 6% of French companies use this technology.

In order not to accumulate too much technological debt, it is up to us, engineers, decision-makers, researchers, to lead the way, by taking the problem from the bottom up and allowing knowledge to be shared. It is up to us to embark as many people as possible in this formidable revolution, where everyone will be able to dream greater thanks to artificial intelligence.

Arthur Llau, Director of artificial Intelligence Research for Flowlity and Professor at the Sorbonne

Expert opinions are published under the sole responsibility of their authors and do not imply any responsibility for the editorial work of the new factory.