On Sept. 8 and 9 in Beijing, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security in joint with the Chinese Academy of Sciences hosted a “Hundred, Thousand and Ten Thousand Talent Project” lecture titled “Artificial Intelligence: Technological Innovation and Social Impact.”

Tan Tieniu, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that artificial intelligence (AI) has both huge space for theoretical and technological innovation and broad prospects for application. AI’s development has had a profound impact on human society, and it will accelerate the advancement of human society into a new era of intelligence.

At present, the status quo of AI development can be summarized as follows: The AI ecosystem has attracted close attention. AI innovation and entrepreneurship are booming. Misunderstanding and hype regarding AI are widespread. The overall development of AI is at the initial stage.

While AI brings new opportunities to social progress, it also brings uncertainty and its ensuing challenges. Guo Rui, an associate professor at the Law School of Renmin University of China, said that in modern times, instrumental rationality has been rising with the development of the internet and AI, which has brought more people to adopt further algorithmic decision-making in technical procedures. The wide application of AI technology has improved efficiency, but the autonomy of the AI system has also caused problems related to social justice, security and responsibility.

“AI is changing the world. We urgently need to extend our sight so we can discuss the challenges that an intelligent society may bring,” said Cheng Sumei, a research fellow at the Institute of Philosophy of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences.

“In the future, we should ensure that AI plays a positive role and that it benefits people,” Tan said. For the development of AI, we should establish a rational and pragmatic concept, advance basic original research, and build an independent and controllable innovative ecosystem. Also, we need to establish a collaborative and efficient innovation system, formulate well-conceived legal standards, promote shared global governance, and strengthen comprehensive research oriented for the future.

(Edited and translated by Shao Yijia )