Google has announced its proactive efforts to shape global artificial intelligence (AI) policies by focusing on education and workforce training to help regulators refine their approach to the rapidly evolving technology.
Alphabet’s President of Global Affairs, Kent Walker, explained the company’s strategy, highlighting the importance of making AI tools accessible to a broader audience, including governments, businesses, and individuals.
A key component of Google’s strategy is expanding educational initiatives to equip the workforce for AI’s anticipated changes. The company’s Grow with Google platform, which has already certified over 1 million individuals in data analysis and IT support, is now adding AI-specific courses. For example, a course for teachers is designed to incorporate AI knowledge into educational systems.
Google is also fostering public-private partnerships, like the Skilled Trades and Readiness program, which trains workers for jobs in various fields, including data centre construction. These initiatives aim to address the AI skills gap by integrating AI education into workforce training.
Google is commissioning studies to explore AI’s impact on employment, predicting that while some roles may disappear entirely, most jobs will evolve to incorporate AI in some form. The company has enlisted economist David Autor to explore innovative workforce training methods, including immersive programs similar to flight simulators, given that traditional classroom training is often ineffective for adult retraining.
As AI technologies rapidly advance, governments worldwide are working on regulations to address issues like copyright, privacy, and potential systemic risks. For instance, the European Union’s AI Act requires AI systems to undergo risk assessments, while the U.S. faces regulatory scrutiny in multiple areas, with the Department of Justice (DOJ) pursuing changes to Google’s search business and its approach to AI.
In response, Google is investing in AI education programmes, including a $120 million fund announced by CEO Sundar Pichai in September to foster educational initiatives aimed at helping people better understand and work with AI.
