A €3m European Union (EU) research initiative, led by University College Dublin’s (UCD) Centre for Digital Policy, is set to explore the societal implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The project, FORSEE (Forging Successful AI Applications for European Economy and Society), will investigate both the benefits and risks of AI, with the goal of improving capabilities and shaping EU regulatory frameworks.
Leader of the project, Dr Elizabeth Farries, Director of UCD Centre for Digital Policy, explained: “FORSEE seeks to improve our understanding of what ‘successful AI’ actually means to enhance regulatory perspectives and approaches.
“Focusing on sustainability, labour and economic efficiency, gender and engagement with civil society, our research group will offer broadened awareness of the opportunities and risks of AI, based on our grounded research.”
A broader perspective on AI success
Launching in February 2025, FORSEE forms part of the Horizon Europe programme under the funding call, Beyond the Horizon: A Human-Friendly Deployment of Artificial Intelligence and Related Technologies.
Unlike traditional measures that prioritise technological advancements and economic efficiency, FORSEE seeks to redefine the concept of AI success by considering its societal and economic impacts.
The project involves a consortium of eight partners, including universities, research institutions, and think tanks from six European countries.
Through engagement with institutions, civil society organisations, and the wider public, FORSEE aims to identify existing criteria for AI success and assess their alignment with EU priorities.
The initiative will also examine the factors that enable or hinder the success of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in integrating AI technologies.
The potential risks of AI
AI poses significant risks if not properly managed. Bias in algorithms can lead to unfair decision-making, while automation threatens job security across various industries.
In the absence of robust regulation, AI could also lead to surveillance overreach, privacy violations, and ethical dilemmas involving autonomous systems.
The FORSEE project aims to mitigate the risks of AI by equipping policymakers and stakeholders with insights to navigate challenges.
By addressing issues such as societal inequities and economic vulnerabilities, the project seeks to create a framework for managing the long-term implications of AI.
The transformative benefits of AI
While AI risks exist, AI also offers remarkable opportunities. It has the potential to revolutionise healthcare by improving diagnostics, optimising energy use, and providing tailored educational experiences.
For SMEs, AI could boost productivity, streamline operations, and foster innovation, strengthening Europe’s competitive edge globally.
Professor Niamh Moore-Cherry, Principal of UCD College of Social Sciences and Law, added: “As the development of AI technology accelerates, it is crucial that we gain a better understanding of its economic, societal and ethical implications as well as its technological success.
“The FORSEE project, bringing international experts together to develop a critical building block for AI policy and regulatory frameworks in Europe, is part of a growing portfolio of research across a range of disciplines in our College focused on AI and data science, and we are delighted to be hosting it.”
Shaping a balanced AI future
By redefining the parameters of AI success, the FORSEE project aspires to bridge the gap between technological innovation and societal priorities.
Its findings are expected to guide EU policies, ensuring a future where AI advances serve both economic growth and societal well-being.
The project represents a significant step towards a balanced, human-friendly approach to AI development.
