AI Governance in Austria and Australia: Learning from the Antipodeans

Abstract

In all OECD countries, discussions abate around the question of how to best regulate artificial intelligence (AI) to exploit the economic and social potential of this technology, while minimising risks. The article asks the question of how to govern AI and what role the state might take in it, with respect to questions of regulation and utilization of AI in its own ranks. Case studies for comparison are Austria and Australia, two democratic high-income countries with differences in geographic location, political system, and economic structure. While both countries aim for a balance of innovation, ethics, and regulation in their AI strategy, the chosen elements for obtaining this balance vary remarkably regarding structures, processes, and tools.