Inclusive Innovation Founder Discusses Using AI for Good

The rapid development of AI has sparked intense debates, especially surrounding its potential to displace jobs and its risk of reinforcing biases. 

At the heart of this potential lies a neutral tool: AI’s impact depends on how we choose to use it. 

From improving climate predictions to streamlining processes that enhance people’s lives, AI holds vast promise—but only if we have the talent to harness its power effectively.

However, there is a significant gap in AI-related skills across sectors, especially in the public sector, where 60% of professionals report skills shortages as a major obstacle to AI implementation.

So how can we go about using AI for good? We spoke with Debra Lam, the Founding Executive Director of the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, to find out more.

The AI skills gap: why it exists 

One of the most pressing challenges in leveraging AI effectively is the lack of AI-related skills within the workforce. 

Debra explains that the root of this problem lies in the lack of AI literacy across education and training programmes. 

“Most education and training programs do not fully address the breadth of knowledge needed to understand AI holistically,” she says. “Educational institutions and professional development programmes have yet to catch up with the rapid advancements in AI technology.”

This gap in AI education can be particularly problematic, as AI is evolving rapidly and requires continuous learning. 

“For AI training to be effective, it must be introduced early, ongoing, and comprehensive,” Debra adds. 

Simply offering one training session is not enough to equip individuals with the skills required to implement AI successfully. 

The key to addressing this issue, according to Debra, lies in creating an education system that provides continuous learning and infrastructure upgrades.

Bridging the gap

Debra and her team believe that investing in AI education can create vast opportunities for positive change, not just locally, but globally. 

“Practical application is a critical component of learning,” she explains. “It’s one thing to read about coding, but until you try to code yourself, your knowledge will be limited.”

The Partnership places learners at the forefront of AI advancements through hands-on projects, where they collaborate with seasoned professionals. 

This is due to the belief if more people had understanding of AI they can be used to solve real-world problems. 

Debra emphasises that the Partnership doesn’t begin with AI; they begin by understanding the needs of the community. “We focus on identifying problems that affect the human condition, economic growth, and upward mobility,” she explains. “From there, we consider the technologies and AI solutions that can be applied to address these challenges.”

AI in action 

The Partnership’s projects have already had far-reaching impacts. In Atlanta, for instance, interns are using AI to address healthcare access disparities through grassroots journalism. 

The initiative, in collaboration with Vngle, empowers local communities by enhancing journalistic integrity and providing accurate, fact-checked information about healthcare access.

Similarly, a project in Savannah, GA, is transforming public transportation. The On-Demand Multi-modal Transit System (ODMTS), developed in partnership with Georgia Tech, uses AI to optimise routing and scheduling, improving service efficiency in underserved neighbourhoods. 

These projects not only bring immediate benefits but also serve as scalable models for sustainable solutions that can be replicated across the country.

Debra believes that AI’s potential for good can be maximised by carefully selecting use cases that maximise benefits while minimising risks. 

She underscores the importance of comprehensive education and cross-sector collaboration in creating a future where AI can truly serve the greater good. “We must ensure that AI tools and solutions are designed with diverse populations in mind,” she says. “Only through these steps can we create a more equitable world for all.” 

By working to close the AI skills gap and applying AI to community-driven challenges, Debra believes the AI revolution can reach more people and create more potential for it to be used for good.

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