Krista Bell: AI & Data Governance

Director - Data Governance, Curtin University presented, "Data Governance: how organisations can responsibly and effectively manage Al technologies" which delved into the complexities of governing AI to ensure it remains trustworthy, reliable, and aligned with organisational and ethical standards.

Krista began by addressing the fundamental question of "why" AI governance is critical, emphasising that organisations must prioritise accountability and transparency at every stage of AI development and deployment. She explained how diverse stakeholders, from executives to product managers, must collaborate to understand the implications of AI on their ecosystems and to define clear objectives and outcomes.

A key focus of the presentation was the necessity of robust frameworks to address AI-specific challenges, such as data quality, lifecycle management, and regulatory compliance. Krista highlighted the importance of maintaining data integrity, ensuring its completeness, and understanding its transformations from source to target. She also discussed the role of metadata and labelling in driving effective and ethical AI outcomes.

She emphasised that AI governance is not merely a set of technical or policy requirements but a dynamic, ongoing process. It involves conducting risk and impact assessments, addressing biases in algorithms, and ensuring that AI applications are equitable and non-discriminatory. She stressed the importance of aligning AI governance with emerging regulations, such as the EU AI Act and Australia's specific legislative frameworks, to meet compliance requirements while upholding human rights.

Through practical examples, Krista demonstrated how organisations can establish cross-functional teams, such as AI steering groups or data governance committees, to lead the way in embedding AI principles into operational practices. These teams can guide organisations through nuanced decision-making processes, ensuring AI technologies are not only innovative but also responsible and sustainable.

Krista explained that AI governance is a shared responsibility, requiring continuous learning and adaptation. By fostering a culture of accountability and building trust through transparency, organisations can harness the transformative power of AI while mitigating risks and maintaining public confidence. Her presentation provided attendees with a mudmap to navigate the evolving landscape of AI responsibly.