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Could Apec's Rules Help Close the Growing AI Gap Between Rich and Poor?
🇨🇳 China /Technology

Could Apec's Rules Help Close the Growing AI Gap Between Rich and Poor?

From South China Morning Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A widening AI gap exists between developed and developing nations, prompting calls for fairer governance.
  • Global South countries often lack the infrastructure and talent to effectively utilize AI.
  • Apec is being considered as a framework to develop an open, culturally sensitive AI governance system to prevent innovation from benefiting only a few.

A growing disparity in Artificial Intelligence capabilities between advanced economies and developing countries has spurred calls to leverage the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) framework. The aim is to establish an open, equitable, and culturally sensitive governance system for AI, addressing concerns that the technology's benefits might be concentrated among a select few.

While AI is often touted as a potential equalizer in an era of slow economic growth, a recent conference in southern China highlighted significant challenges. Many nations in the Global South reportedly lack the essential infrastructure and skilled talent necessary to harness AI effectively. Speakers at the event warned of the risk that AI innovation could disproportionately benefit a small number of countries and corporations, underscoring the need for proactive solutions.

the economic gap was “widening, not shrinking” and an “inclusive” framework designed to tackle this problem “cannot be treated as a residual outcome. Instead, it should be something considered beforehand, not just after innovation.”

— Chung ChulSenior vice-president of the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, discussing the widening AI gap and the need for proactive inclusive frameworks.

Proposed solutions include the development of joint programs and maximizing the flexible structures within Apec. Chung Chul, senior vice-president of the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, emphasized that the economic gap related to AI is "widening, not shrinking." He argued that an "inclusive" framework to address this issue should not be an afterthought but a primary consideration from the outset of technological cooperation and innovation.

The central policy question, according to Chung, is not whether Apec should adopt AI, but rather whether the region can foster innovation at scale without exacerbating existing inequalities. Data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development indicates that the global AI landscape and its rule-making processes are heavily dominated by a small group of nations and approximately 100 major corporations, reinforcing the urgency of establishing a more balanced approach.

So the central policy question is not whether Apec should use AI but whether the region can scale innovation without widening the gap.

— Chung ChulSenior vice-president of the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, framing the key challenge for Apec regarding AI development.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by South China Morning Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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