The ToBe Policy Lab Roundtable AI for Human Development explored the role of artificial intelligence in estimating human development at the neighbourhood level, featuring insights from leading researchers. Prof. Adel Daoud and Dr Mohammad Kakooei presented their innovative work on deep learning and satellite imagery analysis, demonstrating how these technologies can provide valuable assessments of health and living conditions in African countries. Prof. Tuuli Hirvilammi, coordinator of ToBe project on behalf of the Tampere University, further elaborated on the ToBe’s overarching goal of developing sustainable well-being models that challenge conventional economic growth paradigms.
A key point of discussion was the shift from Landsat to Sentinel satellite data, which offers significantly improved spatial and temporal resolution for monitoring development patterns. Additionally, the introduction of temporal-aware AI models, such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, was explored as a means to enhance the predictive accuracy of human development assessments, particularly in rapidly changing environments.
The roundtable underscored the necessity of integrating grassroots input and citizen science initiatives to improve data validation and contextual accuracy. Participants also examined the ethical concerns surrounding AI-driven research, particularly in relation to algorithmic bias and the transparency of decision-making processes. The need for localised validation techniques was highlighted as a crucial factor in ensuring that AI models accurately capture the socioeconomic realities of different communities. The relevance of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration was also a key highlight of the discussion, bringing together AI researchers, policymakers, and local stakeholders to refine AI-driven human development models. There was a strong call for the development of intuitive, user-friendly AI tools that can assist policymakers in evaluating different development scenarios. Moreover, the need for greater investment in high-resolution commercial satellite data was emphasised as a way to improve the accuracy of AI-generated insights. Finally, ethical frameworks must be strengthened to ensure the responsible application of AI in human development research, addressing issues such as privacy, fairness, and inclusivity.
The event reaffirmed AI’s transformative potential in mapping human development while also acknowledging the challenges that remain in terms of data equity, methodological robustness, and policy alignment. As the ToBe Project progresses, ongoing engagement with policymakers, researchers, and local communities will be instrumental in shaping AI-driven approaches that prioritise sustainable well-being.
Stay tuned to know more about the next appointment with the ToBe Policy Lab series!