What consequences does the use of algorithms and artificial intelligence have for society and companies? Numerous Austrian startups are developing technologies and products based on artificial intelligence methods. However, they often lack the know-how and methods to assess the consequences of the developed technologies. This results in risks for both society and the startup itself. The Institute of Technology Assessment (ITA) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences has worked with Austrian AI startups to develop a prototype for a self-assessment tool.
Economic factors vs. ethical implications
In the new ITA dossier, project leader Tanja Sinozic describes the challenges: "Startups are naturally under pressure to make a profit. Thinking about ethical aspects requires awareness. Assessing yourself, asking yourself: what are the consequences of putting my innovation into the world, is difficult." But taking responsibility also benefits the startups themselves: "If an AI startup gets into the media because of a gender bias in its algorithms, for example, this can quickly damage its reputation and possibly jeopardize the survival of a small company," says Sinozic.
In workshops, the ITA team asked companies about their accountability culture and explored needs. The result is a self-assessment tool designed to help companies integrate social and ethical considerations about their products into their corporate culture. To do this, companies also need to be heard, finds Sinozic: "Austria should actively engage in dialogue with startups. In any case, creating a conscious approach to one's own product is essential."