Who Owns AI (Artificial Intelligence)?

The question of ownership of artificial intelligence (AI) could be complex and take different forms. This policy briefing discusses the context of competition and the market dynamics of AI.

Synopsis

---

Industry leadership in AI appears to be conceptualising the understanding of AI ownership. AI ownership is a complex subject: our focus is on the market dynamics of AI and how it is used as an instrument of influence on society.

Policy debates on the development of artificial superintelligence systems (ASIs) largely take backstage despite the unprecedented rate of advancement in artificial intelligence. Some policy stakeholders hold the view that the discussion of ASIs will be a distraction from more current issues such as safety and the ethics of weak AI. It, however, appears that the industry is in control of this narrative of distraction to support the continuous hypothetical discussions on ASIs. The key question would be; whether the policy landscape would want to take proactive or reactive options in addressing the challenges that might be associated with ASIs.

Key findings

1. AI industry leaders have driven remarkable advancements in AI tools for societal benefits.
2. Industry dominance is shaping the “ownership”, governance, market dynamics, agenda-setting, and research priorities of AI.
3. This is driven by huge industry investments in compute power, AI experts, and data.
4. Such dominance poses monopolistic tendencies, limited transparency, and accessibility against the public interest.
5. Key policy issues include ensuring competition, balanced public-private partnerships in AI development, enhanced transparency, and robust regulatory frameworks to balance innovation with public interest.
6. The need for collaborative models to advance responsible AI and reawakening of policy consciousness on artificial superintelligence.

With thanks to colleagues across UCL who supported and contributed to this work.

Project funded by UCL Public Policy funding through our Research England SPF*

Find out more about Who Owns AI (Artificial Intelligence)? through the rapid review and short briefing report below. 

Read the Who owns AI - Rapid Review report

Read the Who owns AI - Short Briefing report