As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in everyday business operations, many UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are grappling with an increasingly pressing question: should we be using AI in our business, and if so, how can we do so in a way that is responsible and trustworthy? A new free online course aims to address this challenge by helping business leaders make informed, grounded decisions about the design and use of AI.
Developed by the UKRI-funded BRAID (Bridging Responsible AI Divides) research programme, Responsible AI for SMEs is designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. BRAID is a UK-wide, multi-year research programme and one of the research centres based within Edinburgh Futures Institute, working to integrate Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences research more fully into the ecosystem of responsible artificial intelligence.
Responsible AI for SMEs launches on 26 January.
Research-led insights and real industry experiences
Responsible AI for SMEs translates BRAID and Edinburgh Futures Institute’s interdisciplinary research into practical tools for SMEs, encouraging responsible innovation at scale. The course is designed to help businesses avoid costly mistakes, whether from rushing to adopt AI without a clear strategy, selecting inappropriate tools out of a fear of missing out, or failing to recognise risks already present in their organisation. Even businesses with no immediate plans to deploy AI can benefit from building their understanding, particularly as research shows that many employees are already using AI tools at work without their employers’ knowledge, permission or oversight. This so-called ‘shadow AI work’ can significantly increase risk, especially where employees lack guidance on responsible use or awareness of potential harms.
Led by Professor Shannon Vallor and Professor Ewa Luger, and supported by a wider group of contributors, the course brings together academic expertise with practical insights from real SMEs and industry partners. It aims to narrow the so-called ‘AI trust gap’ and address the growing divide between the capabilities of AI systems and the level of trust people are willing to place in them.
A clear approach to responsible design and use of AI
Spanning five accessible modules,Responsible AI for SMEs prioritises responsible judgement equipping entrepreneurs with the insight and tools to assess whether, how, and when to engage with AI, without promising shortcuts.
The course includes insights and contributions from UK SME business owners and responsible-AI leaders across industry and civil society, bringing in real-world perspectives on both the promise and pitfalls of AI. Rather than promoting AI use at all costs, the course supports businesses to:
- Navigate diverse and often confusing narratives about AI.
- Understand the opportunities and potential risks of AI within the workplace.
- Make well-informed, conscientious choices about integrating AI in a way that aligns with business values and objectives.
- Recognise when the most responsible choice may be not to adopt AI at all
Professor Shannon Vallor, Co-Director of BRAID said:
“Our goal is to help businesses move forward with confidence, not just because they feel they should adopt AI, but because they understand it well enough to make the right call for their business and their customers. It’s perfect for thoughtful leaders who value depth, careful judgement, customer trust and risk management.”
Professor Ewa Luger, Co-Director of BRAID and Chair of Human-Data Interaction at the University of Edinburgh added:
“AI is already in the workplace, whether businesses know it or not. What we’re offering is not a fast-track to AI success, but a way to understand the implications, manage the risks and protect the trust that businesses work so hard to build.”
Related links
To find out more and register interest, visit: www.ed.ac.uk/online-learning/register-your-interest-responsible-ai-for-smes-short-course
BRAID UK – The BRAID programme is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Image credit: Rick Payne and team / https://betterimagesofai.org / https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
