AI Policy Compass

AI Policy Compass: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

A Mila / Public Policy Forum (PFF) Initiative

In a world where AI is advancing rapidly and permeating every aspect of our societies, it has become essential for policymakers in all sectors to gain a deep understanding of the profound implications and complexities of this transformative technology.

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Who Should Attend

We welcome leaders and policy professionals from all levels of government (federal, provincial and municipal) as well as the private, academic and non-profit sector who are working on the development of AI governance and policy initiatives in their respective field and sector. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from world renowned AI experts, as well as the chance to connect with peers facing similar experiences and challenges. Special emphasis will be put on real-world use cases and tools to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Program Highlights

Unpacking AI and its key concepts: Participants will acquire a comprehensive understanding of AI, including definitions, key concepts, how it differs from other technologies and the AI lifecycle, enabling them to grasp the fundamentals of AI. They will also explore current and future applications of AI.

AI Opportunities and Risks: Participants will learn from experts and case studies, exploring opportunities opened up by AI, as well as some of the risks and harms it can unleash.

Emerging Responses and Solutions: Participants will be introduced to a policy framework that encompasses the major categories of responses to AI. They will learn how they can apply this framework to work through the AI policy questions and decisions they need to make in their own sectors.

Embracing AI Leadership: Participants will reflect on the key leadership questions they need to address for navigating the rapidly evolving AI policy landscape.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the program, participants will:

• have established connections with peers facing similar AI governance challenges. Beyond the course, participants will stay active in this alumni network that will be fostered by Mila/PPF.
• be able to use an analytical framework to aid their AI policy decisions. Beyond the course, participants will continue to use this framework.
• be able to apply an understanding of AI technology, applications, implications, and policy responses to their work.
• be able to access the latest AI related resources. Beyond the course, participants will actively continue to inform themselves of the latest AI policy developments.
• demonstrate confidence to act as AI policy leaders. Beyond the course, participants will be seen as AI policy champions in their organizations.

Teaching method

This program is designed to empower decision-makers and policy professionals with a comprehensive understanding of AI technology, its applications, implications, and governance considerations. The teaching method for this course adopts the 3 Cs approach from the ‘Technical Proficiency Pyramid’ framework: Case Studies, Code, and Capstones.

Learners will:

• engage with relatable case studies demonstrating everyday interactions with technology, including some of the challenges and approaches to address those challenges;

• enhance their understanding by exposure to actual code and practical demonstrations of how AI models work.
• In the program for policy professionals, apply their newfound knowledge in a capstone project. The project can take different formats, written submissions, facilitated discussions or presentations depending on the audience. 

This program is suitable for learners of varied backgrounds and no prior computer programming experience is required. Through frameworks, facilitated discussions, exposure to real AI models and use cases, this program has an emphasis on leadership and decision-making in an AI-enabled world.

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Design and Delivery Team