Deloitte launches artificial intelligence initiative

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Deloitte and the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business debuted the Deloitte Initiative for AI and Learning, a collaboration to improve educational and advancement opportunities for students and faculty. 

The DIAL program will leverage the university's research in data analytics and artificial intelligence, along with Deloitte's experience in AI-enabled services for clients in the private and public sectors. DIAL will build on previous Deloitte and Smith collaborations, such as the Smith Analytics Consortium.

"The DIAL program enables Smith and Deloitte to continue their critical collaborations at the forefront of cutting-edge research and emerging technology," said Wedad Elmaghraby, dean's professor of operations management, in a statement last week. "This includes partnering with local industry and federal partners to drive innovation for the public good, creatively pushing our students to embrace analytics challenges in new and unexplored areas of importance, and investing in our understanding of ethical, trustworthy artificial intelligence to further its potential promise."

The Deloitte AI Institute for Government, which funds the initiative, has been at the center of Deloitte's efforts toward cooperation and research on AI, as well as related technologies in the field. The institute recently found that while government entities and public companies are starting to understand the value of AI,  many still need to improve their cybersecurity, identify impactful applications and develop adequate project management frameworks for AIs. 

"Alongside our longstanding work with the University of Maryland, DIAL will help provide policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and the broader public with a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence," said Darren Schneider, a principal at Deloitte Consulting LLP, in a statement.

DIAL will cover several AI topics, such as ensuring ethical safeguards for privacy, fairness and transparency. It will also examine how government agencies can overcome barriers to AI and use this technology to advance diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as administration priorities at the enterprise level. Finally, it will focus on AI-human interaction by improving AI perceptions among citizens, workers and organizations.