Artificial Intelligence (AI) is impacting every sphere of our lives and like professionals in other sectors, social impact practitioners are trying to unpack what it can unlock for the sector.
AI is being utilized in various sectors, covering almost all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to address pressing social and environmental issues. From healthcare and education to environmental conservation and disaster response, all sectors are seeing a range of AI capability deployment.
India too is no stranger to this trend with social innovators in the country being amongst the highest deployers of AI[1]. Earlier this year, GoI announced a $1.25 billion investment in AI. The money will also be used for the development and roll-out of Indian-built models, and to fund deep-tech AI startups. Given India has the largest number of social enterprises in the world[2], the potential for what AI is and can achieve is phenomenal.
A growing number of emerging start-ups in India are already actively exploring a diverse array of solutions. For example, Niramai, based in Bangalore, is utilizing machine learning to detect breast cancer at its earliest stages. Another start-up, ChironX, is employing deep learning algorithms to identify retinal abnormalities, and SigTuple is focused on leveraging AI for the creation of faster diagnostic tools, enhancing primary care and first aid.
AI is also making strides in the field of education in India. Several organizations are leveraging AI to provide personalized learning experiences and enhance educational outcomes. For instance, Educational Initiatives (EI) is using AI to identify learning gaps and tailor educational content to the individual needs of students. This approach has the potential to address disparities in learning and improve academic performance, particularly for students in underserved communities. SAP CSR in India partners with KC Mahindra Education Trust, in partnership with Naandi Foundation has utilized EI’s learning modules as part of the Nanhi Kali programme with solid results.
In the field of environmental conservation, AI has been utilized for the surveillance and safeguarding of natural resources. The National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), a division operating under the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), has developed an innovative monitoring system aimed at observing changes in forest cover and addressing deforestation. Through the integration of optical remote sensing, geographic information systems, artificial intelligence, and automation, this novel system enables monitoring experts to identify small-scale deforestation, thereby reducing damage to forests and increasing the reporting frequency from annually to monthly. These endeavors play a significant role in the preservation of India's diverse biodiversity and natural habitats.
Despite the potential benefits, AI presents challenges that could exacerbate inequalities. One concern is the potential bias in AI algorithms, which may perpetuate inequalities in healthcare, education, and other domains. If not carefully designed, AI systems can reflect historical biases and exacerbate disparities, particularly for marginalized communities. For instance, a study by the World Economic Forum highlights the risk of biased AI algorithms in healthcare, potentially leading to unequal access to accurate diagnoses and treatments, particularly for minority groups.
In addition, the digital divide could widen as AI technologies become more prevalent. Access to AI-powered tools and resources may vary across different socioeconomic groups, potentially leaving behind those who lack access to technology and digital literacy. In India, the uneven distribution of digital infrastructure and resources could impede the equitable adoption of AI-driven solutions in education, healthcare
Another challenge is the ethical use of AI, particularly in the collection and use of data. There is a need for safeguards to ensure that the data used to train AI algorithms is representative and does not perpetuate biases. Additionally, there are concerns about privacy and data security, particularly in the context of AI-powered surveillance and monitoring systems.
Last but not the least, the question of diversity in AI, both in terms of teams working on AI and those funding it. The State of Social Enterprises Report - 2023[3] indicated that 50% of social enterprises worldwide are led by women, in contrast to the 20% seen in traditional businesses. However, as per the World Economic Forum’s ‘AI for Impact’ report, only 25% of AI social innovations are led by women, which significantly differs from the global composition of social enterprises. However, it does align with the broader gender trends in the AI field, where women constitute only 22% of AI professionals globally and less than 14% of all authors of AI papers.
The efforts of social innovators are crucial in harnessing the potential of AI to create meaningful and inclusive societal advancements, particularly in marginalized communities. It is imperative that their collaborative work with policymakers, technologists, and communities continues to shape an ecosystem where AI serves as a catalyst for equitable and sustainable progress.
One of the ways SAP employees can make a difference is by supporting social enterprises in creating the design, identifying solutions, and advising on implementation of such AI for impact projects. If you are interested in contributing, do comment on this article with your thoughts and ideas.
#AIforgood #socialimpact #SDG #tech4good #SAP4Good
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[1] “AI for Impact”, World Economic Forum, 2024
[2] “State of Social Enterprises”, World Economic Forum, 2024
[3] Report on the Social Enterprise Sector by the Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship, a publication of the Schwab Foundation.
