What is an artificial intelligence management system (AIMS)?

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds a lot of promise - efficiency gains, growth and radical innovations. However, reaping the benefits requires robust governance to manage risks and bridge significant trust gaps.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), ensuring responsible and ethical use of AI technologies is paramount.  The potential of AI technologies is tremendous, but so is the difficulty in predicting all its outcomes from the beginning. Risks emerging during development and implementation must be managed for AI technologies to be trusted.  Ensuring safe, reliable and ethical AI technologies requires robust governance processes. An artificial intelligence management system (AIMS) certified to ISO/IEC 42001 does just that; it also helps companies comply with relevant AI legislation and bridge trust gaps.

A structured approach to AI governance

The new ISO/IEC 42001 standard provides a comprehensive framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving an artificial intelligence management system (AIMS). The standard outlines requirements for risk assessment, mitigation and monitoring, helping organizations identify and address potential risks before they become significant issues. Such a proactive approach to risk management intends to ensure that AI systems operate in a safe, reliable and ethical manner, reducing the likelihood of harm to individuals and society.

The standard covers development, implementation and use of AI technologies. ISO/IEC 42000 is applicable to any organization developing AI systems for others or looking to integrate AI into their current business and processes.

Beyond ensuring the safety and reliability of AI technologies, there are a number of other benefits to implementing an AIMS:

  • Regulatory compliance: As AI legislation continues to evolve globally, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements is becoming increasingly important. An AIMS compliant with ISO/IEC 42001 helps organizations prepare for and ensure compliance with existing and upcoming AI regulations, such as the EU AI Act.
  • Operational efficiency and cost savings: The ISO/IEC 42001 standard provides guidelines for optimizing AI processes, reducing redundancies and improving overall efficiency. By streamlining AI operations and ensuring that AI systems are reliable and effective, organizations can achieve cost savings and enhance their competitive edge.
  • Ethical AI development and use: The ISO/IEC 42001 standard emphasizes principles such as fairness, non-discrimination and respect for privacy. Adhering to these principles ensures that AI systems align with societal values and public interests. An ethical approach to AI development and use not only enhances the organization's reputation but contributes to the broader goal of responsible AI innovation.
  • Continuous improvement and innovation: ISO/IEC 42001 encourages continuous improvement of and innovation in AI management. Regular reviews and updates to the AI management system ensure that organizations remain effective and relevant in the face of evolving AI technologies and challenges. The commitment to continuous improvement fosters a culture of innovation and builds stakeholder trust.

In addition, ISO/IEC 42001 is built on ISO’s harmonized structure. An AIMS therefore easily integrates with other management systems for a comprehensive governance approach. DNV’s ViewPoint survey on AI revealed that cybersecurity is the AI implementation risk pointed to by the most respondents. Companies can effectively combine their AIMS with an ISO/IEC 27001compliant information security and/or ISO 27701 compliant information privacy management system.

Enhanced trust and transparency

An AI management system compliant with ISO/IEC 42001 offers numerous benefits, from improved risk management and operational efficiency to enhanced trust and transparency. Organizations can implement robust governance and when certified by an independent third party like DNV demonstrate their commitment to responsible AI practices. This transparency helps build trust toward stakeholders, including customers, regulators and the public. Ultimately, an AI management system compliant with ISO/IEC 42001 helps organizations harness the full potential of AI while safeguarding the interests of individuals and society.

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