Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we work, learn, and interact, yet much of the public debate is dominated by hype, fear, and polarized narratives. Advances in generative AI and large language models raise fundamental questions about the nature of AI, its societal impact, and the responsibilities of those who design and deploy it. But AI is not an autonomous force; it is the result of human choices, values, and priorities.
This talk argues that responsibility in AI is not a constraint but the foundation of meaningful innovation. Grounded in trust, cooperation, and the common good, a responsible approach helps us move beyond technological determinism toward real societal benefit. Regulation, governance, and ethical design are not barriers but enablers, creating the conditions for sustainable progress, public trust, and genuine differentiation. While acknowledging trade-offs and context in decision-making, Dignum will contend that responsible AI is not optional; it is the only viable path for artificial intelligence if it is to support human prosperity.
Virginia Dignum, currently Digital Humanism Visiting Fellow at the IWM, is a professor of responsible artificial intelligence at Umeå University, Sweden, where she leads the AI Policy Lab. She is a leading voice in global AI policy, advising the Wallenberg Foundations, co-chairing the IEEE Global Initiative on the Ethics of Autonomous Systems, and chairing the ACM Technology Policy Council. Her forthcoming book, The AI Paradox, will be published by Princeton University Press in 2025.
