Exploring the future of AI with Huub Janssen, Chair of Dutch and of European Working Group of Competent Authorities on AI, Dutch Authority on Digital Infrastructure

Ahead of World Summit AI (11th-12th October 2023, Taets Art & Event Park, Amsterdam), we asked Huub Janssen, Chair of Dutch and of European Working Group of Competent Authorities on AI, Dutch Authority on Digital Infrastructure, his thoughts on the future of AI.

As an expert in the field, what critical challenges do you believe the AI community needs to address to ensure responsible & and ethical AI deployment?

Generative AI will gain more and more capabilities. We need more insight into the new capabilities and the societal risks involved, in order for governments to act and protect public interest.

How has AI impacted your specific field of expertise, and what transformative changes do you foresee in the near future?
  

As a supervising authority, our work changes a lot. First of all, because AI systems will be in everything

across all traditional sectors. This means that supervising authorities need to work much more closely or at least collaborate in a different way. The developments go extremely fast, faster than legislation can handle. The requires more flexibility, courage, and creativity from supervising authorities. Thirdly, we have to supervise something (complex AI systems) that have never ever been supervised. A totally new field of expertise.

The political focus at the moment is mainly on legislation, but in the end, compliance with legislation needs to be supervised. As chair of the Dutch and European working groups on AI, this is our main (and almost impossible) challenge.

 

 

How do you envision AI shaping various industries, and what advice would you give to businesses seeking to integrate AI into their operations?

  

New AI systems are difficult to really comprehend. But the main challenge companies should be aware of, is the interaction between various AI systems. How will they interact and what risks are involved? And how does one mitigate incidents? Companies should think of these issues, prior to implementing AI systems.

 

In your opinion, what opportunities and challenges does AI present for job markets and workforce development worldwide?

  

I think it will change a lot in the job market. Jobs will be lost and others will be gained. The biggest worry is the speed at which the change is going to be. Are people able to emotionally and practically evolve that quickly?

 

What advice would you give to aspiring AI researchers and enthusiasts who want to make a positive impact in the field?

  

Go ahead. Noby knows where we are going or what will happen. Just start and keep moving. Your ethical mind will guide you.

 

If you could solve any global problem in the world with AI, what would it be and why?

  

climate adaptation

 

What inspired you to participate in this AI summit as a speaker, and what message do you hope to convey to the audience?

  

The desire and need to interact with others on the topic. The change is so rapid and profound, we all need to connect together to make sure AI will work for the best and not for the worst.