BCG’s Akram Awad On Advancing Human-Centric AI

In an interview with Inc. Arabia, Akram Awad, partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Middle East and the global lead for its smart cities unit, spoke on the need for harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) with a human-centric lens, whereby AI applications are aligned with the real challenges and needs that individuals and communities are actively seeking solutions for. 

Speaking to us on the sidelines of GITEX GLOBAL 2024, Awad said, "Human-centric AI basically talks about AI that works with us, for us and never harms us, which is the contrast of basically saying this is AI that just serves for improving profitability or efficiency or reducing cost. And it's very important that, even if we are doing AI in business, that we put the human at the center of that."

Akram also stressed on the need to ensure that AI is inclusive, meaning it should accommodate diverse backgrounds and languages, so that everyone, regardless of linguistic or cultural differences, can fully benefit. “You need to make sure that AI is fair and ethical in the way it approaches the human-centric lens, so that it serves rather than harms humanity,” he said. 

Commenting on what cities in the Middle East should keep in mind as they explore AI, Awad stated that, especially when it comes to regulation, governments must find a balance between fostering innovation and enforcing AI regulations. This balance allows cities to develop cutting-edge technology without compromising safety and ethical standards. According to Awad, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are at the forefront of achieving this balance. 

However, Awad reiterated the criticality of the human factor, emphazing the importance of "ensuring that people actually understand AI, they are open to the adoption of AI, they understand the risks, but also the potential of AI, and that they get the right level of literacy.” He added, "Our data and research has actually found that the more people understand AI, the more they appreciate the value. And basically, it controls the perception of risk that comes with AI."

Check out the full video for more of Awad’s insights!