Australia’s National AI Centre (NAIC) has released the ”AI Impact Navigator,” a framework designed to guide companies in assessing and communicating the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on society, the environment, and the economy. Launched in October 2024, the Navigator introduces a unique approach for businesses to measure and report the real-world outcomes of their AI practices, moving beyond traditional governance to focus on transparency and tangible community benefits.
NAIC says the “AI Impact Navigator” aims to equip company leaders with tools to foster trust and credibility around AI use by shifting from internal metrics to public accountability on social, environmental, and economic impacts. Built around a continuous improvement cycle — Plan, Act, Adapt — the Navigator emphasizes regular updates, community engagement, and evidence-based reporting, empowering companies to align AI innovation with responsible stewardship.
The framework is structured around four core dimensions:
- Social License and Corporate Transparency: This dimension encourages companies to demonstrate their commitment to ethical AI use, emphasizing transparency, community feedback, and environmental considerations. The Navigator recommends reporting on sensitive AI use cases, adopting ethical standards, and embedding AI’s environmental impacts within Net Zero and sustainability targets.
- Workforce and Productivity: Recognizing AI’s potential to reshape jobs, the Navigator advises companies to focus on upskilling employees, promoting responsible AI use, and planning for potential job impacts. This approach aims to enhance productivity without sacrificing workforce stability, supporting a balanced integration of AI.
- Effective AI and Community Impact: This dimension stresses the importance of transparent communication about AI’s role in businesses. The Navigator encourages companies to build public trust through proactive community engagement, ongoing impact assessments, and clear information on how AI contributes to broader societal goals.
- Customer Experience and Consumer Rights: In line with consumer protection laws, companies are urged to communicate clearly about AI’s role in customer interactions. The Navigator advocates for respecting privacy rights, explaining AI-driven decisions, and offering accessible channels for feedback and dispute resolution.
Companies assess their readiness across these dimensions using a 5-point rating scale, from “Poor” to “Excellent,” to gauge their current practices. To achieve an “Excellent” rating, firms must publicly disclose their AI impact and undergo independent verification, a level of transparency that NAIC believes is essential for sustained trust.
The Navigator was developed in collaboration with CSIRO’s Data61 and members of NAIC’s Responsible AI @ Scale Think Tank, ensuring input from industry leaders, consumer advocates, and experts in AI ethics.
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