The Democratization of Artificial Intelligence: Theoretical Framework
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The democratization of artificial intelligence (AI) involves extending access to AI technologies beyond specialized technical experts to a broader spectrum of users and organizations. This paper provides an overview of AI’s historical context and evolution, emphasizing the concept of AI democratization. Current trends shaping AI democratization are analyzed, highlighting key challenges and opportunities. The roles of pivotal stakeholders, including technology firms, educational entities, and governmental bodies, are examined in facilitating widespread AI adoption. A comprehensive framework elucidates the components, drivers, challenges, and strategies crucial to AI democratization. This framework is subsequently applied in the context of scenario analyses, offering insights into potential outcomes and implications. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research directions and strategic actions to foster responsible and inclusive AI development globally.
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There is a risk that AI may be applied inconsistently or inequitably as its adoption increases without guidance.
“Without such guidance, there is a risk that AI may be applied inconsistently or inequitably as its adoption increases [43,44].”
From Systematic review of artificial intelligence in education: trends, benefits, and challenges (2025) · cites this paper as [43]
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- Authors
- Costa, C. J., Aparicio, M., Aparicio, S., & Aparicio, J. T.
- Affiliations
- University of Lisbon (PT)
- NOVA Information Management School (NOVA IMS), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1070-312 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Corresponding author
- Costa, Carlos J.
- Venue
- Applied Sciences
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Published
- 2024-09-12
- Volume
- 14
- Issue
- 18
- Pages
- 8236
- ISSN
- 2076-3417 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W4402482276
- Cited by
- 44
- References
- 37
- Citations by year
- 2026: 17 · 2025: 26 · 2024: 1
- FWCI
- 6.49
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Applied Sciences (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- Portuguese National Funding Agency for Science, Research and Technology (RCAAP Project by FCT) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Funders
- FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, I.P. (Portugal) (ADVANCE-CSG UIDB/04521/2020, UIDB/04152/2020, UI/BD/153587/2022)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Artificial Intelligence › Artificial Intelligence Applications
- Social Sciences › Safety Research › Ethics and Social Impacts of AI
- Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Information Systems and Management › Technology's Impact on Media
- Keywords
- democratization of AI, artificial intelligence adoption, technology companies, responsible AI, inclusive AI, scenario analysis, theoretical framework
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