Session
Organizers
Institute for Intelligent Society Governance, Tsinghua University
Center of Science, Technology and Education Policy, Tsinghua University
*Opening Remarks*
LONG Kai, Official from the Cyber Information Development Bureau, Cyberspace Administration of China [onsite]
PENG Gang, Vice President, Tsinghua University [onsite]
*Annual Report Introduction*
SU Jun, Dean, Institute for Intelligent Social Governance, Tsinghua University [onsite]
ZHOU Chaonan, Director of Tsinghua-Range Joint Research Institute for Intelligent Society; Chairman of Range Intelligent Computing Technology Group Co., Ltd [onsite]
*Expert Commentary*
Kevin C. Desouza, Professor of Business, Technology, and Strategy, School of Business, Queensland University of Technology [onsite]
XUE Lan, Senior Professor, Tsinghua University; Dean, Schwarzman College; Member of the Leadership Group, UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) [onsite]
ZHANG Fang, Associate Professor, Tsinghua University [onsite]
XIE Qijun, Center of Science, Technology and Education Policy, Tsinghua University [onsite]
Ren Tianpei, School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University [onsite]
1. No Poverty
3. Good Health and Well-Being
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Targets: The advent of intelligent technologies has the potential to significantly contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by enhancing the governance of societies. Intelligent society governance refers to the integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and Internet of Things, into decision-making processes and public administration systems. Here, we will elaborate on how intelligent society governance can contribute to the SDG objectives. SDG 1/3/4/8/9/11/16: Intelligent society governance enhances data-driven decision making by leveraging advanced data analytics to extract valuable insights from vast amounts of data. By analyzing social, economic, and environmental data, decision-makers can gain a comprehensive understanding of complex issues and develop evidence-based policies. This data-driven approach improves the efficiency and effectiveness of decision-making, leading to better-informed strategies for achieving SDG targets. SDG 1/3/4/5/10: Intelligent systems can optimize resource allocation and utilization, which is crucial for sustainable development. By utilizing predictive algorithms and machine learning techniques, governments can identify areas of need, allocate resources accordingly, and prioritize interventions where they are most needed. This targeted resource allocation ensures that limited resources are utilized efficiently, maximizing the impact of initiatives aimed at SDG goals, such as poverty reduction, healthcare provision, and education access. SDG 8/9/11/16: Intelligent society governance can facilitate greater citizen participation and engagement in decision-making processes. Through digital platforms and online tools, governments can gather public input, solicit feedback, and enable citizens to actively contribute to policy formulation and implementation. This participatory approach fosters inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in governance, aligning with the SDG principle of leaving no one behind. SDG 1/3/16: Intelligent technologies can enable the development of early warning systems for various challenges, including natural disasters, climate change impacts, and public health crises. By integrating real-time data, sensor networks, and predictive analytics, governments can proactively identify and respond to potential risks. This proactive approach enhances resilience, minimizes the negative impacts of emergencies, and contributes to SDG targets related to climate action, disaster risk reduction, and public health. Meanwhile, to cope with the concerns of energy consumption raised by intelligent technologies, twinning of green and digital transition can be achieved by Intelligent Society Governance, namely precise prediction and prescription of environmental impacts and the application of intelligent technologies in a more efficient and environmentally friendly way. In conclusion, intelligent society governance offers significant potential for advancing the SDGs. By leveraging data-driven decision-making, optimizing resource allocation, promoting citizen engagement, and enabling early warning systems, intelligent technologies contribute to more effective and efficient governance, ultimately driving progress towards the SDG objectives.
Roundtable
hybrid meeting
In the rapidly evolving landscape of an intelligent society, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge technologies, there is a critical need for innovative governance models to address the profound societal impacts these technologies bring. The initiative of Intelligent Society Governance seeks to explore a governance paradigm that is human-centered and adaptable to the rapid changes of the intelligence era. Nations around the world are responding to these challenges and opportunities by implementing pilot demonstrations and policy experiments in areas like AI. This press conference will primarily announce the release of the Research on Intelligent Society Development and Governance (2024). As a bridging work, this research systematically summarizes the research and practical efforts of the past five years, consolidates the latest findings from the research team in this field, and provides in-depth analysis of the frontier trends and challenges facing the development of smart society in the future.
Key topics covered in the executive summary include: 1. Information Cocooning: Examining how technology exacerbates information isolation and societal fragmentation. 2. Social Polarization: Analyzing the impacts of intelligent technologies on social stratification and polarization. 3. Platform Governance: Assessing the roles and impacts of large tech platforms in public governance. 4. AI for Science: Demonstrating how AI is advancing scientific research and development. 5. Twining Digital and Green Transitions: Discussing the relationship between technological advancement and environmental sustainability. 6. Cyberspace Governance: Outlining strategies for maintaining order and security in digital spaces. 7. Labor Digitalization and Societal Changes: Analyzing how digitalization is fundamentally transforming labor markets and work structures. Additionally, the white paper introduces an innovative assessment index system designed to systematically evaluate the social impacts of intelligent technologies, particularly generative AI, across various sectors of society. The launch event for the white paper will invite governments, research institutions, enterprises, and social organizations to discuss their contributions to Intelligent Society Governance and promote knowledge sharing. This event aims to foster a global consensus and collaborative efforts to enhance the digital contributions to innovation, development, and sustainability. It serves not only as a platform for the exchange of governance knowledge but also as a commitment to developing a more humanistic intelligent society globally.
Report
[About the book] The book summarizes five years of research and practices in intelligent society development and governance, offering insights into key trends, risks, and challenges in building a human-centered intelligent society.
[Opinions] AI presents both significant benefits and risks; governance frameworks must balance innovation with caution. Tsinghua University has actively contributed to AI governance and continues to lead research in intelligent society development.
[Opinions] The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the role of education in preparing future generations for the intelligent society was emphasized.
First, intelligent ecosystems with self-organizing characteristics should be designed using insights from cognitive computing systems. Second, responsible experiments and innovations should co-create meaningful governance outcomes. Third, the development of Artificial Capable Intelligence should be prioritized to address information monopolies and asymmetry in the intelligent era. Fourth, cross-departmental and multi-disciplinary collaboration.
Humans must balance the immense potential of AI as an emerging technology with the risks and challenges it may bring. This forum would serve as a platform to further strengthen cooperation and exchange with global stakeholders, contributing to the development of a human-centered intelligent society.
On December 18, the release event of the “Intelligent Society Development and Governance Research (2024)” was successfully held at the 19th United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event was jointly organized by the Institute for Intelligent Society Governance, Tsinghua University, the Center for Science, Technology & Education Policy, Tsinghua University, and the Tsinghua-Range Institute for Intelligent Society. The English version of the book, launched at this event, systematically summarizes the research and practical work conducted by the organizers over the past five years in the field of intelligent society development and governance. The book consolidates the cutting-edge research results in this domain, deeply analyzes key trends in the future development of intelligent societies, and comprehensively assesses potential risks and challenges. It provides significant reference for the global construction of an intelligent society with a human touch.
Peng Gang, Vice President of Tsinghua University, Su Jun, Dean of the Institute for Intelligent Society Governance at Tsinghua University, Director of the Center for Science, Technology & Education Policy, Tsinghua University, Director of Tsinghua-Range Institute for Intelligent Society, and Director of the Think Tank Center, Tsinghua University, Zhou Chaonan, Director of the Management Committee of the Tsinghua-Range Institute for Intelligent Society and Chairman of Range Group, Kevin C. Desouza, Professor at the Business School of Queensland University of Technology, and Fang Yan, Co-Director of the National Experimental Base for Intelligent Society Governance at Tsinghua University and Principal of Tsinghua University High School, attended and delivered speeches. More than 30 distinguished guests from both domestic and international sectors participated in the event. The event was hosted by Zhang Fang, Associate Professor at the School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University.
Opening Remarks by Peng Gang
In his opening speech, Peng Gang stated that cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are driving a systemic leap from the information society to the intelligent society. During this historic process, Tsinghua University actively leverages its interdisciplinary advantages to explore strategic and policy issues regarding the development of intelligent societies. These efforts have resulted in significant achievements in scientific research, talent development, and standardization. Peng emphasized that Tsinghua University will continue to promote in-depth research in this field, using the release of the book as an opportunity to deepen cooperation with global stakeholders in academia, industry, and research through platforms such as IGF, and contribute to the construction of a shared future for humanity.
Introduction of the Book by Su Jun
The book’s lead author, Su Jun, introduced the main content of the publication. Quoting the famous English writer Charles Dickens, Su Jun remarked that the intelligent society is both "the best of times" and "the worst of times." While AI brings immense benefits to humanity, the risks associated with AI cannot be overlooked. To systematically promote governance research for the intelligent society, Tsinghua University established the Institute for Intelligent Society Governance in 2019 and initiated the Chinese government's AI social experiment project in 2021. The aim of the book is to systematically summarize the experience and discoveries from these governance efforts, focusing on the Chinese experience. It highlights the significant benefits AI brings to humanity while also assessing the common risks and challenges of intelligent societies, thereby supporting the construction of a human community with a shared future.
Book Promotion by Zhou Chaonan
Zhou Chaonan, another author of the book, introduced its contents and objectives. He emphasized that Range Group has long adhered to the mission of "serving the nation through industry" and is dedicated to providing technological support for the development of the digital economy and intelligent society in China and globally. He pointed out that the development of intelligent societies is reshaping the fundamental mechanisms of human operation, involving more complex considerations regarding public governance, ethics, and law. While promoting the green development of intelligent technologies, Range Group has always been deeply concerned about intelligent society development and governance. Zhou indicated that in the future, Range Group will further strengthen its cooperation with Tsinghua University, particularly in the areas of intelligent elderly care, standardization, and other forward-looking initiatives. They will also continue to push for broader participation in intelligent society governance through avenues such as the Range Scholarship.
Comments by Kevin C. Desouza
Kevin C. de Souza offered insightful comments on the book's content. He strongly supported the book's experimental approach to intelligent society governance research. From the perspective of cognitive computing systems, he proposed five key considerations for future intelligent society governance research: First, intelligent ecosystems with self-organizing characteristics should be designed using insights from cognitive computing systems. Second, responsible experiments and innovations should co-create meaningful governance outcomes. Third, the development of Artificial Capable Intelligence (ACI) should be prioritized to address information monopolies and asymmetry in the intelligent era. Fourth, cross-departmental and multi-disciplinary collaboration should be encouraged to co-create cognitive computing systems that serve public value. Fifth, an optimistic attitude should be maintained to drive systematic transformation towards intelligent societies.
Comments by Fang Yan
Fang Yan provided profound comments on the book's content. She particularly agreed with the book's view on the impact of AI on the teaching methods at primary, secondary, and higher education levels. She noted that the traditional education system, which is industrial-society-oriented, faces significant challenges and pressures for transformation in the intelligent era. Secondary education must proactively adapt to these changes, helping students cultivate core competencies for the intelligent society. Fang outlined several directions for transforming secondary education in the intelligent age: First, learning resources should be developed to address the differentiated needs of students. Second, the intelligent experience on campuses should be enhanced to help both teachers and students form a rational and comprehensive understanding of intelligent technologies. Third, the governance systems of schools should be transformed to build governance capabilities suited for the intelligent era.
Closing Remarks by Zhang Fang
In her closing remarks, Zhang Fang emphasized that artificial intelligence technologies are reshaping human society at an unprecedented speed. Humans must balance the immense potential of AI as an emerging technology with the risks and challenges it may bring. She expressed hope that this forum would serve as a platform to further strengthen cooperation and exchange with global stakeholders, contributing to the development of a human-centered intelligent society.
The 19th United Nations Internet Governance Forum, hosted by the government of Saudi Arabia, took place in Riyadh from December 15 to December 19, with the theme "Building a Digital Future with Multi-Stakeholder Engagement." The forum attracted more than 10,000 participants from 175 countries and organized over 300 specialized discussions, including the opening and closing ceremonies and open forums. This forum marked the third consecutive year that Tsinghua University’s team participated in IGF and hosted a series of events.