Artificial Intelligence and Social Responsibility: The Roles of the University

Contemporary AI technologies are more powerful and pervasive than the original AI technologies created in university laboratories. While industry dominates AI today, universities can still play important roles. In this white paper, we recommend actions that universities should take to promote social responsibility in the development and application of AI technologies. Our paper addresses four key questions connected with the university missions of education, research, community engagement, and public service: 1. How can universities effectively educate technical professionals and the public to consider social responsibilities in the design and use of AI systems? 2. How can university and industry researchers collaborate on AI technologies in a socially responsible way? 3. How can universities better collaborate with external organizations and local communities to address questions of bias and discrimination in AI technologies? 4. How can universities contribute to the governance of AI technologies? Overall, we call for greater engagement between universities and external stakeholders, in which academics collaborate with industry practitioners, government policymakers, and community partners. These collaborations can promote social responsibility by ensuring that AI technologies are responsive to community needs, rather than driven solely by business interests. Universities should also ensure that in the criteria for promotion and tenure of faculty members, teaching interdisciplinary courses and building external networks are recognized as valuable forms of scholarship.