Why AI Governance?
Organisations of all sizes and industries should care about AI governance because it is essential for ensuring ethical and responsible AI use, complying with evolving legal and regulatory requirements, safeguarding their reputation, mitigating biases and discrimination, protecting data privacy and security, optimising business efficiency, managing risks, building trust with stakeholders, fostering innovation, gaining a competitive edge, and future-proofing their operations in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
AI Governance, building upon robust data governance practices, can lead to innovation, customer and employee satisfaction, operational efficiency, brand protection, and long-term viability by aligning AI practices with ethical principles and organisational values. It is vital in the rapidly evolving tech-driven era, particularly in New Zealand, where responsible AI development and deployment are critical to harness the benefits of innovation and productivity while aligning with local values and context.
At AI Forum, We Believe
The power of community and collaboration – connecting with like-minded individuals in the AI community, sharing ideas, and engaging in discussions about both the opportunities and the challenges of AI. Together, we can shape a future where AI is used safely and responsibly and serves as a force for good. Focusing on lifting New Zealand's maturity and practices in AI Governance will help harness the power of AI to enable a prosperous, inclusive and equitable future Aotearoa.
What is AI Governance?
The dictionary definition of governance is that it is “the act or process of governing or overseeing the control and direction of something (such as a country or an organisation)”. Applying the same definition for AI governance we arrive at the following definition of AI Governance for companies: “AI Governance is the process of overseeing the responsible application of AI and its impact on all the relevant stakeholders (e.g., individuals, social groups, countries).” (source: Rao, A. 2021)
Beyond generic definitions of governance, Mäntymäki et al. look across the ethical, organisational, and technical aspects of AI governance and land on the following definition: “AI governance is a system of rules, practices, processes, and technological tools that are employed to ensure an organisation’s use of AI technologies aligns with the organisation’s strategies, objectives, and values; fulfils legal requirements; and meets principles of ethical AI followed by the organisation.”
Toolkits curated by our experts to support your organisation
AI Governance Explainer Video.
The AI Forum NZ has established an AI Governance Working Group to provide thought leadership on the responsible governance of AI in Aotearoa and to develop a curated set of frameworks, tools and approaches drawn from local and international sources to meet the needs of New Zealand organisations.
These toolkits are designed with these principles in mind:
Te Ao Māori is embedded in AI governance approaches adopted in New Zealand.
Useful Guidance People developing and deploying AI have access to useful guidance that embeds responsible AI governance in the AI lifecycle.
Connections to Experts and Best Practice We strengthen AI governance maturity in New Zealand by making connections between experts, stakeholders and practitioners.
Strong AI Foundations Organisations recognise that effective governance of AI relies on solid foundations of responsible governance, use, and processing of New Zealanders’ data.
We have initially developed three curated collections of AI governance resources for organisations sharing certain characteristics or needs. We will add new toolkits over time as the AI landscape evolves.
Lite
For organisations with limited AI expertise and resources, who are willing to invest in learning, exploring resources, and partnering with experts to drive growth.
Robust
Intended for organisations who are using AI in their business and looking to develop their understanding of AI legal and ethical risks and explore how to develop and implement responsible AI practices.
Comprehensive
Suitable for organisations looking for a certification or standards frameworks to demonstrate their commitment to adopting a responsible approach to AI.
Articles
Our AI governance toolkits are designed to equip businesses across New Zealand with the ability to address the most critical issues around governing AI systems. These procurement guides build on the governance toolkits and are designed to support organisations to go through the steps necessary to identify and make their own key decisions when adopting or procuring AI solutions.