Itʼs one small step for New York City and one giant leap for America.
The city has launched a search to find a home for a pioneering Artificial Intelligence center that could springboard the city to the forefront of the emerging sector.
“Artificial Intelligence has the potential to solve some of society’s biggest challenges. At the same time, the technology’s rapid advancement also raises important questions about how it’s developed and implemented,” said James Patchett, NYCEDC President and CEO.
“As we continue to see record levels of investment and growth in this sector, it’s critical that we establish structures and tools that ensure innovation happens responsibly. The NYC Center for Responsible AI does just that; fostering collaboration and focusing efforts on creating solutions that build trust in the way these transformative technologies are used.”
The new center devoted to artificial intelligence research and education is being pursued by The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), which last month released a request for expressions of interest to secure proposals for what will be known as the NYC Center for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In its announcement, the EDC said ethics would be at the forefront of any research or education of students and tech industry professionals.
“The Center will convene leaders from New York City startups, large companies, government, community and academia to participate in a set of programs that will establish ethical practices and build trust in this burgeoning technology,” the EDC said.
This is over concerns associated with AI about personal and consumer privacy and preventing age, race and gender related biases.
The city has committed to investing $7 million on the development of AI technology, an innovation that is helping drive the city’s technology industry to new heights.
Last year, there were nearly 12,000 job postings for AI-related positions in New York City, a 678 percent increase from 2013, according to the EDC.
A bipartisan bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate to prepare America’s employers and workers for the 21st century economy by establishing a national Artificial Intelligence strategy and investing $2.2 billion in new AI research centers.
The Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act resembles the national AI initiatives that nearly every other global economic power — including China, Japan, and most recently Germany — have launched during the past four years.
The mission of the A initiative includes a heavy focus on ensuring the competitiveness of American employers and workers as the global economy is transformed by AI.
