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As generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) starts to become more normalised and integrated into organisations, it's crucial to take a moment to zoom out and understand what's happening on a global and economic level, and then zoom back in to grasp the intricacies and subtleties of the technology itself. This panoramic view is crucial for assessing the technology's potential impact on the future of work, society, and the economy.
At Future For Now, we like to think of understanding technology as a journey of exploration. Just like examining a fascinating landscape, we zoom out to see the sweeping changes, then zoom in to understand the intricate details. This is how we approach AI – a field that’s shaping the future of work, leadership, and much more.
We’ve handpicked 7 books that will guide you on this journey, letting you zoom out to grasp the global impact of AI and zoom in to uncover its finer workings. It's all about giving you the tools to understand, adapt, and flourish in an AI-driven world. So grab a cup of tea, get comfortable, and enjoy the ride!
STEP 1. Zoom Out: Understand the Global Impact of Artificial Intelligence
Understand the broader developments in the field of AI, including where the technology fits within the current global economic shift of "Industry 4.0." AI is just one part of a larger technological revolution, with other elements like Web 3.0, blockchain, quantum computing, advanced robotics, AR/VR, and fusion energy (hopefully!). READ: Shaping the Future of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Reflect on how AI might impact humanity and global security, leading to more responsible deployment. READ: The Age of AI.
Step 2: Zoom In – Delve into AI Technologies, Algorithms, and Biases
Get close to the technologies to appreciate how they are shaping the world. Learn how machines learn, understand how algorithms work, and become aware of daily interactions with these technologies. Recognise biases and design flaws to navigate risks and limitations. READ: A Human's Guide to Machine Intelligence; Technically Wrong: Sexist Apps, Biased Algorithms, and other Threats of Toxic Tech.
Step 3: Zoom Back Out – Assess the Environmental and Social Impact of AI
Put the technology back into perspective of the global environment and understand the ecosystem, and the extractive nature of artificial intelligence. Explore the impact the technology has on the environment, the issues of extractive training through cheap labour, and the danger of these technologies perpetuating bias.
Step 4: Zoom Back In – Explore Business Applications of Artificial Intelligence
Finally, examine how businesses are applying AI. Learn about leveraging algorithms for growth, collaborating with AI, upskilling employees, and adapting strategy in the new machine age. Understand what AI means for current and future organisations.
READ: Artificial Intelligence: The Insights You Need from Harvard Business Review; HBR's 10 Must Reads on AI, Analytics, and the New Machine Age.
Navigating the Complex Landscape of AI
This zooming in and out approach is at the core of how Future For Now views technology's impact. By fostering a deep understanding of both the macro and micro perspectives, we're better prepared to navigate the complexities of today's ever-changing technological landscape.
TL/DR: 7 Books to learn about Artificial Intelligence:
Shaping the Future of the Fourth Industrial Revolution - by Klaus Schwab
The Age of AI - by Henry A. Kissinger, Eric Schmidt and Daniel Huttenlocher
A Human's Guide to Machine Intelligence: How Algorithms Are Shaping Our Lives and How We Can Stay in Control - by Kartik Hosanagar
Technically Wrong: Sexist Apps, Biased Algorithms, and other Threats of Toxic Tech - by Sara Wachter-boettch
Atlas of AI - by Kate Crawford
Artificial Intelligence: The Insights You Need from Harvard Business Review - by HBR, Thomas H. Davenport, Erik Brynjolfsson, Andrew McAfee, H. James Wilson
HBR's 10 Must Reads on AI, Analytics, and the New Machine Age by HBR, Michael E. Porter, Thomas H. Davenport, Paul Daugherty, H. James Wilson
REMEMBER: Once you finish this list, there are so many more out there... so keep going!
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