In October 2024, Prof. Willem Fourie from Stellenbosch University (SU) participated in Meta’s Open Innovation AI Research Community Annual Research Workshop at Meta’s London offices. The event brought together AI researchers and practitioners to explore the latest advancements in artificial intelligence.
Fourie, who holds the Chair of Policy Innovation and leads SU’s Policy Innovation Lab, presented on the use of large language models (LLMs) to enhance policy advice. He discussed both the potential benefits and challenges associated with integrating LLMs into South Africa’s policymaking processes, highlighting their practical advantages alongside the ethical considerations they raise.
Reflecting on the workshop, Fourie remarked, “Open-source generative AI can dramatically increase the already mind-boggling speed at which innovation is happening”. But he also emphasised that traditional reactive and time-consuming approaches to policymaking are inadequate for fostering positive technological and societal impacts.
The workshop featured an in-depth examination of Meta’s Llama 3, discussions on AI applications in health and agriculture, and sessions led by global experts addressing AI’s societal implications. Fourie’s insights into AI-driven policy innovation highlighted SU’s commitment to harnessing technology for societal progress.
As the leader of SU’s Policy Innovation Lab, Africa’s first initiative of its kind, established in collaboration with the Presidency, the German government, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Fourie explores how data science and AI tools can tackle challenges within the policymaking landscape.
The Open Innovation AI Research Community, founded in 2023, aims to promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing among academic researchers in AI. The annual workshop serves as a platform for sharing research findings, discussing innovative applications, and establishing future research agendas.
According to Prof. Kanshu Rajaratnam, Director of the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Fourie’s participation in this event reflects SU’s dedication to incorporating cutting-edge technology into policy development, ensuring that advancements in AI contribute positively to society. “His perspectives on the ethical implications of AI in policymaking offer valuable insights for both South Africa and the global community”, says Prof Rajaratnam.