Why SA businesses should prepare now for the AI Royal Commission

Many organisations still view artificial intelligence as a technology issue. In reality, it has become a governance and risk issue, writes Piper Alderman partners Tom Griffith and Travis Shueard.

When Premier Peter Malinauskas announced South Australia’s Royal Commission into Artificial Intelligence, much of the discussion focused on the future of technology, regulation and public policy. 

That is understandable. Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, learn, communicate and do business. The Royal Commission is expected to examine the opportunities and challenges AI presents for South Australia, including its impact on education, public services, workforce participation and critical infrastructure. 

But for many South Australian organisations, there is a more immediate question: 

What should businesses be doing now? 

The answer is simple: taking action. 

AI has moved into the boardroom 

Many organisations still view artificial intelligence as a technology issue. In reality, it has become a governance and risk issue, an integration issue and, increasingly, a leadership issue. 

Across South Australia, businesses are already using AI to improve productivity, automate routine tasks, analyse information, support customer interactions and enhance decision-making. In many cases, adoption has happened quickly, with teams embracing new tools before governance frameworks have fully caught up. 

That is not necessarily a problem. Innovation always moves faster than regulation. 

In other cases, the use of AI is customer or client driven. The increasing public use of AI has already led to higher customer and client expectations of business, and the more efficient delivery of products and services. Clients want to know where the AI-driven savings and efficiencies will be. That is also a net positive development. 

 The........

© InDaily