Artificial intelligence: a pact in Palermo to train those who will drive innovation
A new partnership in Palermo aims to train people who will decide how businesses and organisations use artificial intelligence (AI). The goal is to teach them not only how the technology works, but also how to understand its effects on jobs, people and society. The partnership is between LUMSA University and Polisophia, a group that supports the careful and responsible use of new technology. Its members include Intesa Sanpaolo, Bancomat, ABI, Farmindustria, Assolombarda, Centromarca and Barilla. Together, LUMSA and Polisophia will combine research, education and ideas about how to use new technology responsibly.
The two organisations have signed an agreement that will last three years. It was signed by Francesco Bonini, the Rector of LUMSA, and Ruben Razzante, the President and Founder of Polisophia Aps-Ets. At LUMSA, the work will be managed by Licaim, the Lumsa International Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence Management. This research centre is based in Palermo, Sicily, and brings together experts from different fields. It also studies the ethical, legal and social questions raised by AI, including what is right or wrong, what the law says and how the technology affects society.
Under the agreement, the two organisations will offer training courses, special classes called masterclasses and learning programmes for business leaders and managers. They will also work together on research about artificial intelligence, ethics and ways to manage and control AI responsibly. Their plans include publishing scientific research, carrying out studies, writing reports and applying together for national and European funding opportunities. All these activities are meant to build strong, long-lasting connections between universities, businesses, public institutions and groups in society.
Giovanni Battista Dagnino, the director of Licaim, explains that the centre sees AI as something that involves important decisions about an organisation's plans and how it works. Every decision involves both the people who make it and the people who must take responsibility for it, he says. This means that business leaders and people who manage organisations need the right skills too. Before introducing AI, they must decide what they want to achieve, how the technology will be used and who will be responsible for the results.
The agreement was introduced at a conference called ‘The Challenges of Contemporary Forms of Intelligence: Humanity and Artificiality for Responsible Innovation’. The event was supported by Palermo City Council. It brought together people from universities, businesses and public institutions to discuss how new technology connects with human capital, meaning people's knowledge, skills and abilities.