Rethinking automation

Introduction
SCVO is keen to help the Scottish third sector think about the implications that artificial intelligence (AI), automation and current and future technologies may have on the sector’s work. We’ve created this page as a way of engaging on these issues. The aim of this engagement is to create a briefing on the key opportunities and challenges for colleagues across the sector.

Context
Our world is changing. Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and new technologies are already impacting our organisations, our jobs, and our lives. But what does the future hold? Will new technology enable the third sector to provide better services, support and campaigns? Can automation reduce inequalities and help build a better, greener society? And could a robot take your job?

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and new technologies?
AI is the concept of non-human entities possessing human-level intelligence to perform intelligent tasks. For many of us this means technology focused on self-learn to mimic the human mind.

Self-driving cars, virtual personal assistants, and smart home devices are all examples of AI. Similarly, fraud detection services, purchase predictions, and even some security surveillance, all utilise AI.

Political Context
The UK Government estimates that by 2035 Artificial Intelligence could add around £630 Billion to the UK economy. To capitalise on this and secure Britain's position as a world leader in technology and innovation Chancellor Philip Hammond’s 2017 Budget included: £75m for artificial intelligence; £160m for 5G mobile networks; £100m for an additional 8,000 fully qualified computer science teachers supported by a new National Centre for Computing; a retraining partnership with the TUC and the CBI to boost digital skills in the workforce; and £76m to boost digital and construction skills.

At Westminster, an All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR APPG), Chaired by Alan Mak MP, was formed in October 2016. Similarly, the Lords Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence was appointed in June 2017 to consider the economic, ethical and social implications of advances in artificial intelligence, and to make recommendations. In 2017, Artificial Intelligence was also identified as one of the ‘Grand Challenges’ in the, Industrial Strategy: Building a Britain fit for the future.

How are Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and new technologies likely to effect the third sector?

 * Offer new ways for charities to achieve their mission
 * Change the way charities operate as organisations
 * Present new challenges for charities to address.

Challenges
Upskilling new and existing staff to understand the potential of AI, new technologies and automation in their role and workplace will be a key challenge for the sector.

The third sector must ensure that new technologies will benefit society as a whole instead of just

A few private companies control much of the knowledge about new technologies.

Potential Roles for the Third Sector

 * Ensure that everyone can benefit from emerging technology
 * Build public trust
 * Seeking for alternative pathways to make use of new technologies by creating space to connect the knowledge already existing within communities (collaborative innovation)

Third Sector Initiatives
In March 2017, Arthritis Research UK introduced an AI-powered ‘virtual personal assistant’  to answer beneficiaries questions quickly and easily. Initially the virtual personal assistant will provide general information about arthritis and exercise. However, this is expected to be expanded to include answers to a broader range of questions on subjects such as diet and treatment options.

Age UK recently completed a pilot program with Accenture that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and voice enabled technologies to help older people navigate their care delivery and well-being. The AI-powered platform can learn behaviours and preferences, allowing the platform to spot abnormalities in behaviour and send alerts.

Useful Resources
Gunson, R and Thomas, R. (2017). Equipping Scotland for the future: Key challenges for the Scottish skills system, IPPR Scotland https://www.ippr.org/publications/equipping-scotland-for-the-future

Corlett, A. (2016). Robot wars: automation and the labour market. Resolution Foundation http://www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications/robot-wars-automation-and-the-labour-market/