Is AI a threat or an opportunity for small islands?

About this episode

This episode explores the implications of AI and big data for small islands, discussing both opportunities and risks with various experts.

The seemingly unstoppable rise of “big data” and Artificial Intelligence is reshaping and destabilising the global economy. But where do small islands fit into this? Could digital technologies like AI level the playing field, or do they represent a new form of technocolonialism? Can Small Island Developing States (SIDS) embed them quickly enough to benefit from new economic opportunities, or are they likely to be left further behind?   In this episode, Emily and Matt speak to a number of experts grappling with these kinds of questions. In our "Island Voices" segment Kunal Singh from Fiji talks about the impact of AI on climate finance. We then break down the issue with Preeya Mohan from Trinidad and Courtney Lindsay from Jamaica in our “Explainer”. Next, in the “Big Picture” we speak to Külli Sarapuu, from Estonia, and Donald Baldeosingh from Trinidad, two people who are grappling with the public policy implications of digitalisation. Finally, in “No Stupid Questions”, Emily and Matt ask whether the risks of AI are overstated by critics.   Featuring: Emily Wilkinson (host)  | RESI Director and Principal Research Fellow at ODI Global Matthew Bishop (host)  |…

People in this episode

Hosts: Emily Wilkinson, Matthew Bishop

Guests: Kunal Singh, Preeya Mohan, Courtney Lindsay, Külli Sarapuu, Donald Baldeosingh

Topics covered

• Artificial Intelligence
• Small Island Developing States
• Digital Technologies
• Climate Finance
• Public Policy
• Technocolonialism

Keywords

• AI
• big data
• small islands
• digitalisation
• climate finance
• economic opportunities
• technocolonialism

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Climate Finance Access Network, Pacific Community, Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies, University of the West Indies, ODI

Places: Fiji, Trinidad, Jamaica, Estonia

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