Shaping the future: A comparative case study of Finnish and Norwegian approaches to political strategy of artificial intelligence

Abstract

The public discourse on artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly increasing, in tandem with faster-paced development in the field of artificial intelligence. With these advancements, multiple short- and long-term issues and considerations are appearing. The longer-term consequences are linked to the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Several countries are now outlining strategies for how to approach artificial intelligence and deliberating which policy measures should be enforced. Visions of the future and imagined realities are embedded in these strategies. These current frameworks will have an impact on and direct the course of how policy-makers understand and handle AGI in the future. how it should be are embedded in these strategies, and therefore have an impact on how policy-makers handle AGI in the future. Through a comparative case study of Finnish and Norwegian proposed national strategies for AI, this thesis aims to understand how Finnish and Norwegian policy-makers perceive and approach artificial general intelligence and long-term consequences of the technology. What are the implications of their portrayal, visions, and perceived risks of AGI, and what does this say about how to best approach AGI and its potentially significant consequences? To answer this question, the two proposed strategies are analysed, in addition to nine qualitative interviews and review of various publications and legislature. The data is analysed through an abductive approach, using iterative cycles of moving back and forth between the empirical data and theories in social and science studies and futures studies. This process resulted in five main concepts: not only focusing on utilisation, but also development of technology, being mindful of words and phrases used to describe technology and its risks, being humble when dealing with complex and uncertain risks, and including social scientists and future generations in the deliberation and development processes.