Social research agenda for AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has a major influence on the way people interact with digital systems and services. In the future, this will only increase as new AI applications emerge. To achieve responsible and human-centered AI in the Netherlands, it is important that citizens can influence the development and application of AI. 

With this in mind, Waag launched the project 'A societal research agenda for AI', together with the Netherlands AI Coalition (NL AIC). They aimed to find out what Dutch society considers important when it comes to AI, so that society can help steer research and innovation within this field. 

In collaboration with Ipsos I&O, Waag conducted a survey among a panel representative of the Dutch population (n=1.327). The research was based on a list of twelve societal themes that Waag had developed from earlier research with 95 people in the summer of 2023, through workshops and an online survey. 

These themes ranged from the influence of AI on power dynamics, education and health, to fake news, surveillance and freedom. The earlier research had already provided a clear overview of these twelve important themes, but had not yet shown what a cross-section of the Dutch population thought of them. This was now addressed in this study, on the initiative of the NL AIC. The research started in early March 2024, and the results were presented on 24 April 2024 during the NL AI Congress.

The research showed that 58% of the Dutch population considers the theme of fake news, fake images and polarisation crucial to the development of and research into AI. This stems from concerns about the spread of false information and the possible misuse of deepfake technology. Power dynamics, and the control that large tech companies and governments can gain through AI, were also named as an important theme by 37% of respondents. Around one in three respondents identified surveillance technology and questions around freedom, responsibility and accountability as important. The vast majority of the Dutch population turned out to have a reasonable to good impression and understanding of AI.

Based on these findings, Waag made a number of recommendations. We advised taking concrete action against fake news and fake images. We also argued for giving society a bigger role as commissioner of AI research. In addition, we called for developing frameworks for transparency and public values in AI together with citizens. We also emphasised the importance of building trust in AI, through co-creation, education and a reporting point for problems and misconduct. In addition, this research aligns with our mission to work with society towards an open, fair and inclusive future.

A summary, along with the full findings and recommendations, can be read on this page, including a visualisation of the results.