What new roles are emerging to ensure AI's ethical implementation?

New roles related to AI are emerging across workplaces as organisations seek to ensure the ethical use and development of the technology, according to a new report.

The AI Researcher role is the most in-demand position related to ethical decision-making in AI, with 59% of organisations currently hiring or planning to hire for this role.

This is followed by Policy Analyst Role (53%) and AI Compliance Manager (50%), according to the report, as released by Deloitte.

^{Source: Leadership, governance, and workforce decision-making about ethical AI}

Findings new AI employees

To find employees suitable for these sought-after roles, the report found that most employers are looking internally.

Nearly seven in 10 executives (68%) said they are carrying out internal training or upskilling programmes to find, attract, and train professionals for new AI roles.

Others are looking externally, such as through traditional pipelines like experienced hires (62%), while others are going for non-traditional ones like skills-based hires and individuals without four-year degrees (53%).

^{Source: Leadership, governance, and workforce decision-making about ethical AI}

Systems of governance needed

These findings come amid the growing need for systems of governance across organisations amid the widespread development and use of AI.

"As leaders look to strike a balance between innovation and regulation, ethically designed governance structures are important to hold both leaders and employees accountable in the responsible use of this technology," said Beena Ammanath, executive director, Global Deloitte AI Institute and Trustworthy AI leader, Deloitte LLP, in a statement.

"Recruiting and upskilling to build a prepared talent pool, providing employee trainings, and establishing structures of leadership are some of the tactics that have emerged to drive AI innovation with an ethical focus."

Currently, 77% of C-level executives in the report are confident that their workforce is well-equipped to make ethical AI decisions.

Only 24% of them, however, will allow professionals to make these decisions independently, according to the report.

Meanwhile, majority of executives also believe that AI will help improve retention (82%) in their organisation, and boost workforce wellbeing (77%).

Another 77% believe AI will help increase the accessibility to professional education, while 73% believe AI will help foster employee trust.

Deloitte's Leadership, governance and workforce decision-making about ethical AI report surveyed 100 corporate executives, representing C-level, president, board member, and partner/owner roles at companies in the U.S.