Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Purpose

The Norwegian Digitalisation Agency (DigDir) formulates the problem as follows:

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to create major gains in society, among other things, by making it more efficient, giving us new knowledge and supporting decision-making processes. At the same time, the use of unreliable AI systems can undermine our rights and values.[1]

We should be careful to ask ourselves "whether" we should use artificial intelligence. Going forward, the question will probably be "how" to use it. This is because AI has already started to be integrated into many of our IT systems, and this will continue to happen to an ever-increasing degree in the future. Asking "if" we should use AI could become an outdated approach, and we must rather focus on finding out how we can utilize the technology in the safest possible way.[2]

There are rules today that affect the use of AI and which provide some protection, but which do not directly address the unique challenges AI systems entail. Laws such as the Equality and Discrimination Act, the Public Administration Act and the Personal Data Protection Ordinance set frameworks for what we can do with artificial intelligence. At the same time, this legislation is not adapted to AI as a technology.[3]

HVL needs a coordination group that can initiate and keep track of projects and activities where artificial intelligence is used, provide professional advice on the challenges associated with AI and ensure that the systems that HVL uses are developed in line with the institution's values.  

Role and function for the AI coordination group

1. Have an initiating/coordinating role for various initiatives and projects at HVL with regard to tangential topics and possible areas of collaboration
2. Communicate updates to the organization regarding progress, findings and work in the various initiatives and projects
3. Keep an overview of contact persons on topics/expertise areas
4. Establish a dedicated website at hvl.no with ongoing updates of cases and links to internal and external resources regarding AI

It is desirable to have all initiatives and projects coordinated, but those who do not report that they want to be coordinated by the group must possibly be coordinated by the faculty/department.

Appointment and representation

The Digitalisation Council at HVL functions as the steering group for the AI Coordination Group. The Digitalisation Council appoints the leader and members of the coordination group.

Membership in the group is based on direct association with AI activities or representation from academic or administrative areas that are affected by AI, so that members are able to contribute with both operational and strategic advice.

If necessary, the coordination group can establish thematic working groups supplemented by members outside the coordination group who work closely on specific issues.

Cooperation

Department of Computer science, Electrical engineering and Mathematical science (IDER) is the academic department with the most extensive professional expertise related to artificial intelligence at HVL.

In addition, HVL has other departments and management divisions that are crucial for the success of the group, especially OUD and ALU. The Digitalisation Council will play an important role in facilitating cooperation across and between faculties, departments and units.

The AI coordination group must ensure that resources from all relevant academic fields are included in the work.

Meeting schedule

Until further notice, the AI coordination group meets every month. The meeting time should normally be one hour.

[1] https://www.digdir.no/kunstig-intelligens/rad-anzvallig-utvikling-og-bruk-av-kunstig-intelligens-i-offentlig-sektor/4272

[2] Ibid.

[3] https://www.digdir.no/kunstig-intelligens/ny-forordning-kunstig-intelligens/4271

Core group