The undeniable AI-5G convergence

Current COVID-19-related events and responses demonstrate the interconnectedness of our world. A virus that began in China has spread to more than 100 countries in a matter of weeks. From a technology point of view, connectivity is global and omnipresent—and 5G will take connectivity to a level that has never been seen before in human history. With 5G, there will be approximately 1.2 million connected devices per square kilometre. This means that all devices, from shoes and refrigerators, to cars and traffic lights, will become part of a global network, with data speeds expected to be at least 1,000 times faster than the current speeds and data latencies flexible enough to meet any application’s requirements. For technologists among us, the current digitization phase is an exciting one—we are now able to create “digital twins” of simple and complex systems. Digital twins are being used to find efficiencies (e.g. workflow processes, planned maintenance downtime), secure hazardous work environments (e.g. infrastructure safety), and ensure a better return on investments (e.g. increased throughput, reduced costs). As 5G networks are rolled out over the next few years in communities around the world, digitization of physical infrastructure will become more prevalent in our daily lives. Emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) In laymen terms, AI refers to a set of technologies that enable machines to leverage data to make complex decisions without human interference. When AI is coupled with 5G, it is easy to envision the possibilities. Humans will become more productive than ever before if we can learn to leverage the two technologies (i.e. AI and 5G) effectively. AI applications will support the automation of complex tasks and enable the creation of new industries and occupations to support economic growth. However, as we build the foundations of this paradigm-changing technology, we must ensure that we develop consensus around major policy issues to ensure sustainable and productive use of AI. For example, some leading issues currently being discussed include: “Ethical use” principles in creation of global frameworks on the permissible use of AI applications, such as the current global restrictions on genome synthesis. “Ownership and liability” of AI algorithms and their actions. Our legal frameworks may need to be modified to address these issues. “Inclusion and equity” considerations to ensure that AI algorithms are not being trained by using biased data. Inherent biases in training data may lead to unequal outcomes from AI algorithms. Delivering on the promise of convergence of AI and 5G The promise of convergence of AI and 5G has led to significant excitement in the technology and business communities. The global innovation and technology community, including The Conference Board of Canada, is currently engaged in studying the full implications of the AI-5G convergence. One of the most researched topics in this space is cybersecurity. It includes looking at the impact of 5G and AI on citizens’ privacy rights, industrial assets, critical infrastructure, and business models. To add to the complexity, interconnectivity among systems and digitization of physical infrastructure is blurring the line between physical and cybersecurity. To this effect, The Conference Board of Canada is coalescing a coalition of partners to establish a framework to identify stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities, formal and informal information sharing mechanisms within the ecosystem, and establish a forum for peer-to-peer networking. In addition to cybersecurity, the issue of collaboration and inclusion has also emerged as an area of significant interest. Collaboration among private, public, and academic sectors is of paramount importance to ensure effective planning, development, and implementation of AI-based systems. Given our vast geography, we must be mindful that investments cascade beyond major cities to rural and northern communities. As new capabilities emerge, we must ensure that local businesses in these communities, notably within the agriculture, mining and manufacturing industries, receive their share. Significant new financial investments are required to further investigate and implement legal and policy regimes for this new reality. AI and 5G will alter the existing structure of advanced economies such as Canada. AI-based applications will impact many current occupations and require them to change. Based on our latest research, certain demographics (e.g. youth) will be impacted more severely than others. We must ensure that all Canadians are able to benefit from AI and 5G driven economies equitably. The Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre initiative is currently investing in projects to help inform policymakers on addressing some of these gaps. Canada is a leader in early AI technologies, and by addressing these considerations, we can extend our influence within the industry on the global stage. Harry Sharma is the director of innovation and technology at the Conference Board of Canada. The Hill Times