Introduction
Given the intensity of the current GenAI wave, it is critical for think tanks to quickly filter through the noise. Imagine a future where think tanks are empowered to make informed strategic decisions about when and why not to use AI-enabled technologies – moving from FOMO to intentionality. By understanding the technologies and their limitations, think tanks can proactively manage the change process and create an appropriate learning environment for their staff and stakeholders. This is the context in which we launched our AI for Think Tanks co-learning programme at Sociopublico.
We are immensely grateful to the forward-thinking organizations that joined us for our first cohort. Their commitment, openness, and remarkable learning progress over the course of the program not only validated the need for the programme, but also illuminated the way forward.
Programme Overview
The programme is structured around weekly sessions and is divided into two stages focusing on (I) individual perspective and experience and (II) organisational context and implementation. It’s based on trusted principles and frameworks that guide effective learning and responsible use of technology in organisational contexts, such as the Humane Technology Paradigm, NIST’s Trustworthy AI Initiative, UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology, and inspiration from organisations such as the Ada Lovelace Institute.
We have consolidated the key building blocks of a robust AI strategy into deliverables that are shared with participating organisations. Imagine Lego blocks that can be assembled into a customised approach, including an AI landscape analysis, a dossier, a prompt library for the most common models, ethical guidelines, a readiness framework, and more.
Programme participants exit as certified AI Stewards, equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead technology integration within their organisation. This stewardship role emphasises the importance of leadership in fostering a culture of continuous learning and ethical technology use.
Learning 1: Simplicity is Key
While AI can be complex, the most effective approach for think tanks is to start simple and foster a culture of experimentation. This helps overcome initial hesitation and builds trust. By leveraging existing AI tools and drawing on the wealth of resources and analysis available, think tanks can make significant progress. In practice, this means:
- Start with testing tools, not ethics, to balance serious discussion and playful exploration.
- Integrate open learning resources into your internal capacity-building programmes and provide dedicated learning time for your employees.
- Ensure that access to and customisation of learning pathways can be highly automated (scalable learning).
- Be honest about the true complexity of your operations to avoid over-engineering and over-thinking.
Learning 2: Rethink Responsibility
In many think tanks, responsibility is tied to individuals. The integration of AI requires a nuanced discussion about the redistribution of responsibilities between humans and technical systems. The process of integrating AI often reveals more about a think tank’s internal alignment and process quality than about the technology itself. This presents an opportunity for organisational improvement. In practice, this means:
- Establish a common language around AI, which may include debates, glossaries, and infographics to allow for the nuanced discussion mentioned above.
- Create a safe space to discuss AI-related fears and the impact of the technology on role profiles. This allows for the separation of day-to-day operations from strategic issues.
- Expertise may be distributed in new ways, and seniority and academic status may be misleading indicators. Aim for internal AI teams across departments and hierarchies.
- Integrate AI-enabled processes and systems into existing quality assurance and risk management mechanisms.
- Explore automated compliance and technical enforcement of rules and standards, which is especially important for ensuring data quality.
Learning 3: Directionality Matters
Once think tanks understand the characteristics of the AI ecosystem and their responsibilities, they can position themselves within it. But what happens next? Even if the development of AI were to plateau today, the integration of this technology into organisations has only just begun – meaning that we are just beginning to see its social, environmental, and economic impacts. Given this, it seems odd that many organisations are not factoring the continued evolution of AI into their strategic planning, as the impact is sure to intensify. In practice, this means answering these questions:
- For many think tanks, GenAI currently doesn’t meet the bar. How will you know when it does?
- Harnessing the potential of AI in a research-driven sector requires serious technical expertise. Will your organisation have access to this expertise in the future?
- The environmental, social, and economic impacts of the current wave of AI contradict the recommendations and findings of many think tanks. Does your organization need to position itself in the current debate?
Looking Ahead
With the next cohort starting in September 2024, we are opening up the programme to a global audience of public interest organisations. We are excited to welcome organisations from Central Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Bringing together perspectives from around the world will allow for a more nuanced discussion and a better understanding of regional benefits and challenges.
You can find more information about the programme here. There are only a few spots available. If you’d like to join us please let us know through this link.
Joscha Wirtz works as a program and operations lead, helping teams align and scale their digital and sustainability activities. Previously, he led the digital strategy team at an international think tank for sustainability research and consulting, implemented Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) at one of Germany’s largest technical universities, managed national and international R&D projects, and co-founded an NGO hub that drove urban transformation during the Covid-19 pandemic.