In these turbulent times there seems to be one certainty: AI is here to disrupt, and we had better prepare quickly to maximise benefit and mitigate the risk.
It makes sense that policymakers have now focused on the technology, as the nation leans into emerging economic challenges. But as we hustle to secure a prosperous place in the emerging digital and AI economy, it’s worth remembering that in this task, we must ensure that everyone can join the journey.
With so much of daily life dependent on online participation, most Australians would be shocked to learn that almost a quarter of our population struggles to effectively engage in the digital world.
As AI accelerates its influence, disrupting workforces and challenging norms, the dilemma will only become more pronounced.
It is imperative that we embed digital inclusion as a foundation of our national digital capability now, as we thread together the strategies to capitalise on AI technology.
As Jim Chalmers has stated: “artificial intelligence will completely transform our economy. Every aspect of life will be affected.” Importantly he adds: “We cannot simply let AI rip, but nor can we pretend it’s not happening – we can chart a middle course that makes our people beneficiaries, not victims of technological change.”
Of course, the Treasurer is talking about the necessary guardrails and frameworks to ensure safe AI and mitigate concerns about job replacement.
AI literacy is one part of this but so are measures to address digital inclusion spanning access, affordability and the ability to participate.
This broad scope must be on the table as we consider the outcomes of the Economic Reform Roundtable and must become a priority in the nation’s digital ambition.
Digital inclusion is a multifaceted challenge and interfaces across all areas of social and economic disadvantage.
For example, unemployed and elderly people, First Nations Australians and people with disability are far less likely to engage effectively online.
Meanwhile, many of those most excluded may have the most to gain through innovative technologies and digital services.
Australia is fortunate to be served by a dynamic ecosystem of not-for-profits, businesses, academic and community organisations working to address the multi-factor challenges of digital inclusion.
But while there are many positive initiatives and demonstrated successes, the sector is highly fragmented and endures inefficiency, duplication, gaps in service delivery, and foregone potential.
For this reason, the Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance is calling for national leadership and coordination, a fresh approach that recognises the opportunity to deliver large scale impact.
The social equity obligation is clear but so too is the economic opportunity, making digital inclusion an obvious foundation for our digital productivity agenda.
Just look at digital government services, which could fuel an estimated $12 billion saving and give citizens back 800 million hours over 10 years.
Of course, that’s where good practice is followed and adoption accelerated – and ensuring people have the capacity to engage in the first place!
As economist Nicki Hutley found last year in a very conservative estimate, improving digital inclusion could yield a $467 million annual economic benefit, with the productivity upside of access to online health services alone estimated to be worth more than $316 per person per year.
As Ms Hutley pointed out at the time, there are huge data gaps to build out a more fulsome picture but nonetheless a clear opportunity for gain.
Fortunately, there are existing programs that could provide inspiration for a more coordinated and scaled national approach, including the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group, Data and Digital Ministers meetings, National AI Centre and Future Skills Organisation, among others.
Meanwhile, the UK is leading the way with its recent Digital Inclusion Action Plan, underpinned by broad stakeholder collaboration.
The Treasurer says he is optimistic that AI will be a force for good, understanding the risks. I share his view and can report from my work helping enable for-purpose organisations with AI that there are huge opportunities for innovation and more effective service delivery.
But this all depends on how we effectively address digital inclusion, ensuring all Australians have the capacity to engage effectively. It’s why we need a national approach to digital inclusion, making it a foundation of our national digital capability.
It makes sense that Australia takes proactive steps to develop a thriving digital economy, but in doing that and recognising that a full 6.6 million Australians are digitally excluded, we must also ensure we build an equitable digital society.
David Spriggs, Chair of the Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance and CEO at Infoxchange.
Do you know more? Contact James Riley via Email.