You are conducting a survey on artificial intelligence (AI) in philanthropy. What insights do you want to gain?
The main aim of the survey is to understand if Philanthropic organizations in Switzerland are aware of this rapidly advancing technology, generally labelled artificial intelligence , and of its potential benefits and challenges for the sector.
Can only foundations that already use AI take part in the survey?
No, on the contrary we would like to know not only from those who already use/know about AI, but also from those who don’t. Among the latter, we seek to understand if they have an interest in knowing more, or if not why not.
Ensuring that AI is used not only to maximize the profits benefits of a few, but rather that it used to benefit the largest number of people possible.
Giuseppe Ugazio
AI also has risks: Where do you see these?
Like all new technologies AI carries also risks, in particular if it is used without the necessary knowledge. For example it has been shown that using AI can lead to wrong decisions in terms of recruitment (with AI being biased against minorities). In order to minimize the risks we need to raise awareness of what AI can be used for, how it can be used well, and how it should not be used.
Should philanthropy take its own initiatives in the field of AI?
We firmly believe yes, in particular to promote Ethical and Inclusive AI: ensuring that AI is used not only to maximize the profits benefits of a few, but rather that it used to benefit the largest number of people possible, in particular those who are typically excluded from new technologies. Another role of Philanthropy is identifying ethical guidelines that ensure AI is maximally helping our societies and making sure that these principles are adopted by regulations of this technology
What potential do you see for the philanthropy sector?
AI can contribute to make the operations of the philanthropic sector more efficient in several ways: it can help with tasks ranging from administration of personnel and resources to impact measurement or simplifying interactions between donors and beneficiaries.
Until when can interested parties participate in the survey and how do you inform about the findings?
Ideally we would like to receive response by the end of January 2023, but people can submit responses at any time, we will be monitoring and updating the results of the survey in the months to come.
