A new, free educational programme launched by the University of Edinburgh is set to guide leaders of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the complex landscape of artificial intelligence, highlighting both its potential and its perils.
Navigating the AI Trust Gap and Hidden Dangers
The course, titled Responsible AI for SMEs, directly addresses a critical issue: the growing chasm between what AI technology can do and the level of trust business owners and the public are prepared to grant it. A central focus is the emerging threat of 'shadow AI' – a practice where employees use generative AI tools such as ChatGPT covertly, without their employer's authorisation or supervision.
Rather than pushing for blanket AI adoption, the initiative seeks to provide business decision-makers with the foundational understanding required to make strategic choices. This includes knowing when not to implement the technology. The course forms a key part of the wider Bridging Responsible AI Divides (BRAID) research programme.
Practical Risks and Real-World Consequences
The curriculum outlines specific scenarios where AI can backfire for businesses. For instance, deploying a generative AI chatbot for customer service might initially improve response times, but it carries the significant risk of the system inventing false information or misleading customers about products.
Similarly, using AI to automate basic research tasks could save time but might also stunt the professional development of junior staff by robbing them of essential learning opportunities. Furthermore, the course will examine how AI systems can perpetuate and amplify societal biases, particularly if their training data is not representative.
Expert Guidance for Thoughtful Leadership
Professor Shannon Vallor, co-director of the BRAID programme, explained the course's ethos. "This course is designed to help SMEs filter through the noise around AI, offering grounded, practical guidance that helps them make good decisions, including the decision not to adopt AI at all," she said.
"Our goal is to help businesses move forward with confidence, not just because they feel they should adopt AI, but because they understand it well enough to make the right call for their business and their customers."
Professor Ewa Luger, the other co-director based at the University of Edinburgh, emphasised the urgency. "AI is already in the workplace, whether businesses know it or not," she stated. "What we're offering is not a fast-track to AI success, but a way to understand the implications, manage the risks and protect the trust that businesses work so hard to build."
The online course is now open for registration via the University of Edinburgh's website, offering a vital resource for UK SME leaders aiming to harness technology responsibly while safeguarding their operations and reputation.
