Despite the emergence of promising policy proposals worldwide, AI governance is often discussed by policymakers and scholars alike as an intractable challenge. This is largely due to the technical/organisational complexity of sociotechnical AI systems, and a fear that imperfect regulation will result in suppression of technological innovation. In this talk, I will draw on the historical example of a previously “ungovernable” technology- the steamboat in the 1800’s- to challenge latent scepticism and argue that the governance of AI should in and of itself be viewed as an exercise in innovation. Steamboat governance was iterative, requiring many instances of trial and error before achieving its aims. Similarly, global AI governance can be reframed as an exercise in policy innovation. In doing so, we can both celebrate the progress that has already been made, and remain optimistic about the emergence of new regulatory interventions in response to novel challenges generated by AI.

Please note limited seats are available at Inspace for in-person audiences, so please book tickets in advance. For those joining online please visit the online event page for the Zoom joining link and password.

*Important Notice* This event will be photographed, recorded and live streamed and the data published online and used for research, promotional and reporting purposes by BRAID UK and the Institute for Design Informatics based at the University of Edinburgh. For further information please contact the organisers.