Google’s Efforts to Shape the Narrative Around Artificial Intelligence
Regulatory Scrutiny and the Need for Education
Alphabet’s Google is facing unprecedented regulatory scrutiny in its existing businesses in advertising and search. As the company races to best Big Tech rivals in the AI arena, it is mindful of the need to shape public perception and policies on artificial intelligence ahead of a global wave of AI regulation.
Building Educational Programmes
A key priority for Google is building out educational programmes to train the workforce on AI. "Getting more people and organisations, including governments, familiar with AI and using AI tools, makes for better AI policy and opens up new opportunities – it’s a virtuous cycle," said Kent Walker, Alphabet’s president of global affairs.
Investment in AI Education
CEO Sundar Pichai announced in September a US$120 million investment fund to build AI education programmes. Deputies, including Walker and Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer, are traveling globally increasingly to discuss policy recommendations with governments.
Growing with Google
Efforts include expanding Grow with Google, a website that teaches workers skills like data analysis or IT support that are meant to expand their career prospects in technical fields. In December, the company said 1 million people had obtained a certificate for the programme. It is adding specialised courses related to AI, such as one geared toward teachers, said programme head Lisa Gevelber.
Public-Private Partnerships
Google wants to increase experimentation on public-private partnerships, said Walker. The leading example so far is the "Skilled Trades and Readiness" programme, in which the company has partnered with community colleges to train workers for potential jobs constructing data centers. Google is incorporating AI education into the programme.
Long-Term Impact of AI
In the long term, Walker said he expects a small fraction of existing jobs to be entirely displaced by AI, citing several studies commissioned by Google, Goldman Sachs and McKinsey. Those studies suggest AI will be incorporated into most jobs in some capacity.
Conclusion
Google’s efforts to shape the narrative around artificial intelligence are aimed at building a more educated and prepared workforce for the future. By investing in AI education and public-private partnerships, the company hopes to mitigate the impact of AI on jobs and create new opportunities for workers.
FAQs
Q: What is Google’s goal in shaping the narrative around artificial intelligence?
A: Google’s goal is to build a more educated and prepared workforce for the future by investing in AI education and public-private partnerships.
Q: What is the impact of AI on jobs, according to Google’s studies?
A: According to Google’s studies, AI will be incorporated into most jobs in some capacity, and a small fraction of existing jobs will be entirely displaced.
Q: What is Google’s approach to retraining workers for the future?
A: Google is incorporating AI education into its retraining programmes, such as the "Skilled Trades and Readiness" programme, and is experimenting with public-private partnerships to create more immersive training programmes.