AI’s Data Dilemma: Confronting the Paradox of Poor Quality Data in the Age of AI

26 January 2024

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As AI permeates our lives, the quality of data upon which it is trained becomes increasingly crucial. However, in the current era of data abundance, a paradox emerges: while we have access to more data than ever before, much of it is of poor quality, leading to AI models that are biased, inaccurate, and ultimately flawed. This session will explore the intricacies of AI’s data dilemma, exploring the causes of poor data quality and examining its far-reaching consequences. We will discuss the common pitfalls of data collection, annotation, and preprocessing, uncovering ways in which low-quality data can derail AI applications. Through sharing case studies and real-world examples, we will highlight the tangible impacts of poor data quality on AI performance, and debate which actionable solutions can help. In this session we will encourage discussion to share knowledge and insights on ways that AI systems can be built upon reliable foundations, ensuring they add value and deliver meaningful impact.

Joining us on the panel are distinguished experts in their respective fields:

Stefan Crossfield CEng CMgr brings over 30 years of leadership experience from the Armed Forces, known for his innovative approach to complex project management and his adeptness in leading teams under pressure. His expertise in managing technological integrations in challenging environments offers invaluable insights into the application of AI in structured and high-pressure settings.

Rashik Parmar, a contemporary technical leader, adds 35 years of experience in implementing cutting-edge technologies. An author of several articles in esteemed publications like Harvard Business Review, Rashik’s insights into the practical application of AI in business contexts are both deep and wide-ranging, providing a unique perspective on how AI can drive tangible business outcomes.

Yvonne Gallagher, with over 25 years in IT, business change, digital services, and cyber and information assurance, brings a wealth of experience to the panel. Her roles as CIO in government departments, Chief Digital Officer, CIO in the private sector, and her current position at the NAO, equip her with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in implementing AI within both public and private sectors. As a Fellow of the BCS and Chair of their Organisation and Employer Board, her perspective is particularly valuable in understanding the intersection of AI, data quality, and organisational effectiveness.

Christine Ashton FBCS CISSP, a globally recognised CIO and strategic business leader, was voted the 36th most influential in UK tech in 2023. With a strong background in digital business strategies and transformation across various sectors, she’s a notable figure in IT and business transformation. Christine also contributes as an advisor to DIGIT Lab and Vice-chair of BCS FTAG, enhancing the BCS’s mission of ‘Making IT good for Society’.

Agenda

Introduction

12:00 PM – 12:10 PM (10 minutes)

  • Overview of the session’s objectives.
  • Brief introduction of the new presenters: Brig Stefan Crossfield, Yvonne Gallagher, and Rashik Parmar.

Main Presentation

12:10 PM – 12:40 PM (30 minutes)

  • Agile approaches to digital technology adoption and their impact on government data management.
  • The role of AI and data science in transforming government practices, with insights from the Defence Data Research Centre (DDRC), the Surrey Centre for the Digital Economy, and the University of Exeter.
  • Panel Discussion with Brig Stefan Crossfield (Chief Data Officer for the Army), Yvonne Gallagher (Digital Director at the UK National Audit Office),  Rashik Parmar (CEO of the British Computer Society), and Christine Ashton FBCS CISSP (CIO of UKRI).

Interactive Q&A Session

12:40 PM – 12:50 PM (10 minutes)

  • Discussion on challenges and solutions in digital transformation and government data management.

Conclusion

12:50 PM – 1:00 PM (10 minutes)

  • Summarizing key strategies for overcoming digital dilemmas in government data.
  • Outlining the future direction for digital governance and AI integration in the public sector.
  • Closing remarks