"Participatory Modelling and the Evolution of “Better AI”" by Petra Ahrweiler

Topic

This lecture explores how participatory modelling reshapes Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public social services from an industrial dynamics perspective. The AI FORA approach views AI as co-evolving with institutions, organisations, and societal values, using agent-based modelling, serious games, and stakeholder co-creation to design transparent, context-sensitive systems. From an evolutionary economics perspective, this reflects variation, selection, and retention. For firms, participatory AI is a strategic capability that enables co-creation, reduces risks, and builds trust-based advantage. Participatory modelling thus links technological innovation, policy, and market evolution.