The future is equitable: Balancing the impact of GenAI on Canada's Black communities (2024)

What is this research about?

This research examines the potential impacts, both positive and negative, of Generative AI (GenAI) on Black communities in Canada. The study aims to provide business and policy leaders with guidance for creating an AI-powered future that mitigates potential negative impacts and creates inclusive opportunities for Black communities.

From the report home page:

"In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, Generative AI (GenAI) emerges as a pivotal technology with the potential to redefine industries and societal norms. Our latest report, The future is equitable: Balancing the impact of GenAI on Canada's Black communities delves into the profound implications of GenAI for equity, inclusion, and the socio-economic advancement of Black communities in Canada.

Explore the full report to discover how strategic, ethical, and inclusive approaches to GenAI can open new opportunities for equity, prosperity, and growth for Canadian organizations and Black communities across Canada. Organizations have an economic imperative to deploy equitable solutions: by embracing GenAI with a focus on strategic planning, ethics, and inclusivity, businesses can bridge equity gaps while unlocking new avenues for growth. These technologies can revolutionize sectors like healthcare, education, and business, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic advancement."

What do you need to know?

• Black communities have historically faced discrimination and systemic inequities in various forms, affecting their social, economic, and educational conditions.
• The research is unique in examining the intersection of GenAI technology with racial equity issues in a Canadian context.
• Key categories: Technology equity, racial justice, AI ethics, business transformation
• GenAI could add $187 billion in productivity gains to Canada's economy by 2030
• Currently, one in seven Canadian businesses are using GenAI

What did the researchers do?

• Conducted a survey of 646 executives across Canada
• Held focus groups with executives
• Analyzed how inequity in AI systems manifests in models and algorithms
• Developed use cases demonstrating responsible AI practices
• Created a framework for action to ensure inclusive AI development

What did the researchers find?

Key findings include:

• Early adopters of GenAI (64%) showed more concern about its impact on racialized groups than non-adopters (36%)
• Only 15% of workforce leaders felt prepared to use AI and GenAI tools
• Only 30% of organizations felt equipped to handle ethical concerns about GenAI raised by Black and racialized team members
• Black Canadians comprise just 2.6% of Canada's tech workers, despite making up 4.3% of the population
• Main areas of concern were human resources, diversity and inclusion, legal compliance, customer support, and finance

Specific mentions of Black immigrants:

1. The report uses an example of "Jennett, a new immigrant who has English as a second language, impeccable academic credentials, and promising career prospects" to illustrate how GenAI could help overcome barriers that new immigrants face in navigating financial landscapes and building generational wealth.
2. In discussing workforce representation, the report notes that "Black Canadians and new immigrants comprised just 2.6% of Canada's tech workers, compared with 4.3% of the country's population."
3. The report mentions that "Black immigrants and Black Canadians face additional barriers in the workplace, stemming from a lack of recognition for achievements and credentials, limited access to career advancement, and systemic racism."
4. There is a mention of a case study about LIFT Impact Partners, a national non-profit organization that helps newcomers find meaningful employment. The organization is working with Deloitte to develop "a multilingual enhanced technology solution that leverages GenAI to help social purpose organizations aid newcomers in finding jobs that better reflect their skills, experiences, and expertise."
5. The report mentions that GenAI solutions could be used to "recognize and translate dialects, idioms, and cultural nuances specific to Black communities and new immigrants."

Broad themes:

1. Leveraging GenAI with a focus on diversity and inclusion is more than a social responsibility—it's a strategic imperative that can drive economic growth and deliver a competitive advantage. For instance, the Black consumer market in the US is projected to reach $1.8 trillion in 2024, illustrating the vast potential of inclusive market strategies. By applying a similar approach in Canada, businesses can unlock new markets, foster innovation, and enhance financial performance, positioning themselves as leaders in a rapidly evolving landscape.
2. GenAI systems that lack diversity risk perpetuating biases and alienating equity-seeking users, leading to negative experiences, reduced trust, and decreased engagement. To ensure broader adoption and long-term success, organizations must develop GenAI tools that reflect the diversity of their user base.
3. There is an urgent need for robust policy frameworks and ethical guidelines to govern the deployment of GenAI solutions. Only 1 in 20 leaders surveyed were confident that current organizational AI and ethical frameworks could address issues related to bias and discrimination. While 78% of leaders surveyed believed that GenAI systems should undergo regular audits for bias and fairness. To mitigate risks and build trust, it is crucial for organizations to prioritize AI model transparency and accountability. By implementing clear guidelines for AI usage, ensuring explain-ability, and regularly auditing AI models, businesses can reduce the risk of bias, enhance decision-making, and demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices.
4. Diverse perspectives enhance problem-solving, innovation, and ethical decision-making, leading to better-performing AI systems and more equitable solutions across various sectors. Over 60% of survey respondents believed that diverse AI teams could be the key to mitigating bias in AI systems.
5. Black professionals and Equity Seeking Groups (ESGs) who upskill now and embrace the current wave of AI innovation will position themselves for future success. With fewer than 25% of Canadian businesses actively using GenAI solutions regularly, those who grasp the potential of these technologies early will gain a significant competitive advantage.

How can you use this research?

For Business Leaders:

• Implement responsible AI practices from the start of development
• Consider demographic and social factors in AI design
• Invest in equity-based AI design to reduce legal risks and expand market share

For Policy Makers:

• Develop robust regulatory frameworks for AI governance
• Support initiatives that increase Black representation in tech sectors
• Ensure AI benefits are accessible to all Canadians

For Practitioners:

• Focus on inclusive AI development practices
• Address bias in AI systems proactively
• Consider cultural contexts in AI implementation

Future Research Recommendations:

• Further study on effective bias mitigation strategies
• Research on long-term impacts of GenAI on employment equity
• Investigation of best practices for inclusive AI development