Aleksandr Korolev: Bridging the Technology Gap Between Countries Remains Difficult
The 2nd Global Digital Forum is taking place at the Mechta venue in Moscow from October 8 to 10, focusing on how digital transformation is changing government, business and international cooperation.
IT developers, researchers and government officials from 120 countries are discussing emerging technologies and the challenges they pose for technological sovereignty, access to infrastructure and cooperation between nations.
Aleksandr Korolev, deputy dean of the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs at HSE University (Moscow), spoke to the IT Russia media platform about the challenges Russia faces today:
– I expect the forum to deliver practical solutions, new ideas and valuable connections, as well as opportunities to work together on digital development and strengthen the digital sovereignty of Russia and neighboring countries that are strategic partners of our country.
I think artificial intelligence is one of the main topics on the forum’s agenda. Others include quantum technologies, robotics, the digitalization of government services and the transfer of digital skills in public administration. These are key areas, and I expect them to receive considerable attention at the forum.
When it comes to regulating artificial intelligence, I believe the government should take a measured approach. Leaving the sector entirely to its own devices could put any country’s digital sovereignty at risk. The challenge is to strike a balance between government involvement and the freedom of private companies developing these technologies.
Building public trust in digital technologies requires education and public awareness efforts. There are still relatively few professional development courses and educational programs that cover artificial intelligence, including how to use it properly, what its limitations are and the ethical considerations involved. At a minimum, it would be useful to introduce these subjects into school curricula or, at the very least, university programs, both in the humanities and in engineering. Such courses would help people understand the benefits and risks of AI and develop a code of conduct for its use.
As for the technology gap between countries, I do not think it can be eliminated entirely. The digital industry develops on the back of traditional industry and physical infrastructure. Where countries differ in the development of transportation, logistics and other physical infrastructure, those disparities will also be reflected in the digital sphere. Bridging the technology gap therefore remains difficult.
