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The current public conversation around AI can be described as stuck between catastrophization (“we’re all going to die”) and tech-optimism (“this will solve all of our problems”). The hype and misinformation, the speed of change, and the absence of a coherent channel of conversation between technologists, policy makers, scientists, ethicists, social scientists, the business community and the public produces a potentially dangerous situation where gaps in understanding grow every day, making it nearly impossible to work out solutions for responsible use of AI. DoT intends to counteract this growing gap through targeted dialogue and public engagement.

In 2024/25, DoT will develop programming to engage both expert and public stakeholders around AI’s social impacts in BC and Canada. Our goals are:

• to foster evidence-based and well-grounded community participation and public-facing knowledge around AI and its social implications, including its interactions with other desirable policies and social directions (e.g. sustainability, equity and justice, energy independence, human security, etc.).
• to raise the sophistication and profile of this conversation in the political discourse, and support policy development by connecting research, civil society, and industry communities through targeted dialogue.

Following his selection, Fergus was invited to participate in the ISF Global Forum in Taiwan earlier this year, where he joined 85 other fellows from over 44 countries in high-level discussions on artificial intelligence, diplomacy, clean technology, cybersecurity, journalism, democratic innovation and more.

DoT is the Centre for Dialogue’s flagship initiative on artificial intelligence. The project works to advance inclusive, participatory approaches to AI governance through public engagement, multi-stakeholder dialogue, and policy translation. Recent work includes hosting a workshop on AI and deliberative democracy with Canadian and international experts, producing first-of-its-kind public opinion research on BC residents' perspectives on AI, and hosting the inaugural Symposium on BC's AI Future at the Wosk Centre.

Fergus’s ISF fellowship is a testament to the growing global relevance of DoT’s mission and work. If you'd like to partner or support this work, please reach out to flinleym@sfu.ca.

Denise Williams is a prominent leader, advocate, and innovator dedicated to advancing Indigenous governance, education, and economic well-being in communities across BC and Canada. In her new role as a Fellow, Denise will be working with the Centre's Dialogue on Technology Project (DoT) to lead the creation of collaborative programming at the intersection of AI and Indigenous Economic Well-Being. This work will support Indigenous leadership in AI Governance, enabling a coordinated response to a core call from DoT's December 2024 Symposium on BC's AI Future: “not another technological transition without Indigenous leadership.” To connect with Denise around this work, please contact quwutsun@gmail.com. 

We are also excited to announce that Climate Solutions Fellow Deborah Harford will be supporting the Dialogue on Technology Project, leading the development of DoT's Climate + AI pillar. This shift will broaden her remit to include a second focus on Technology and Society, while continuing to support Climate Innovation and other climate-related initiatives at SFU. Fergus and Deborah are seeking partners and funders as they work together to advance DoT's impact at the intersection of AI and climate - for those interested in collaborating or supporting this work, they can be reached at flinleym@sfu.ca and at dharford@sfu.ca.