Standards cooperation is key to making AI and smart cities a reality
Every year, a dozen organizations come together to focus on global standards collaboration in the area of information and communication technology. This year’s meeting, GSC-22, was held in Montreux, Switzerland, and among a broad range of topics, expert speakers brought special focus to discussions on the potential of AI (artificial intelligence) and smart sustainable cities.
Hosted by a different member each year, the meeting of the Global Standards Collaboration, GSC-22, was jointly organized by ISO and the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). The two-day event attracted participants from around the world, with notable representation from those countries where information communication technology (ICT) is set to play an increasingly strong role in the economy.
The first day was dedicated to innovative presentations and lively panel discussions on the theme of smart sustainable cities. GSC members shared their views on standards relevant to cities that face substantial challenges in choosing suitable standards for their requirements. Recognizing the fast pace of technological evolution combined with rapidly growing populations, members encouraged continued discussion, particularly on the development of guidelines and standards to enable seamless data exchange and interoperability.
The second day focused on the rapid growth of AI, which is set to influence everything from the way we manufacture and distribute products, to healthcare, to the move from smart to intelligent phones. One of the inherent advantages of GSC is its global diversity. Participants provided the variety of perspectives needed to adequately consider the needs of countries at different levels of development.
The sessions on artificial intelligence were coordinated by Wael William Diab, a business and technology strategist from California’s Silicon Valley who also serves as the Chair of the group dedicated to AI within ISO and IEC’s joint technical group on information technology (ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42). Presentations and participative panel discussions from major industry players and standards development organizations brought to life the enormous possibilities for AI as well as giving specific consideration to potential issues related to security, privacy, trustworthiness, ethics, societal concerns and regulation.
The event shows that ICT is a priority for both of the host organizations. With an increasing number of areas underpinned by increasingly sophisticated technology, and new areas emerging all the time, the need for clarity through International Standards has never been greater. The enormous scope of ISO and IEC’s work through their joint technical committee can sometimes seem overwhelming even to specialists in the field. Fortunately, a newly published brochure, IEC, ISO and information communication technology, brings much needed clarity.
Speaking at the event, ISO Secretary-General Sergio Mujica said: “GSC-22 is about getting together to share ideas, challenges and opportunities. Standards are key to furthering economic development and improving people’s lives especially when it comes to innovative technologies like AI and Smart Sustainable Cities.”