268 – What Lies Behind AI as a Product?

268 – What Lies Behind AI as a Product?

From The IDEMS Podcast by IDEMS International

June 5, 2026 · 23 min

About this episode

David and Kate explore the distinction between AI as a product and AI as a sociotechnical system, discussing the underlying infrastructure and governance that shape AI technologies.

Continuing their examination of the assumptions underlying today’s dominant AI narrative, David and Kate explore the distinction between AI as a product and AI as a sociotechnical system. They reflect on the often-invisible infrastructure, labour, resources, and governance structures that sit behind AI technologies, and discuss why understanding these systems is essential for making informed choices about technology, impact, and innovation. The conversation highlights how different assumptions about ownership, trust, and accountability shape the technologies we build and the societies they serve.

People in this episode

Hosts: David, Kate

Topics covered

  • AI as a product
  • sociotechnical systems
  • infrastructure
  • labour
  • governance
  • technology impact
  • innovation

Keywords

  • AI
  • sociotechnical systems
  • infrastructure
  • governance
  • technology
  • impact
  • innovation
  • trust
  • accountability

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: AI, IDEMS International

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