AI Governance in 2025: Predictions and Challenges Ahead
As AI development accelerates, the landscape of governance surrounding artificial intelligence is set to evolve dramatically in 2025. Many experts and industry leaders are voicing their perspectives on how regulations and ethical considerations will shape the future of AI.
One significant aspect highlighted by Michael Brent, Director of Responsible AI at Boston Consulting Group, is the complexity of compliance as new regulations emerge. ‘The EU’s regulatory approach will serve as a closely watched test case,’ he notes, marking the EU AI Act as a defining force in global AI governance. With substantial penalties for non-compliance, organizations worldwide will be monitoring its impact.
Experts like Alyssa Lefaivre Škopac, Director of AI Trust and Safety at the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute, anticipate an increasing role for ‘soft law’ mechanisms such as standards and certifications in filling regulatory gaps. ‘It’s still going to be fragmented and won’t be fully harmonized for the foreseeable future,’ she admits.
Agentic AI: A New Focus in Governance
While generative AI captured headlines in 2024, 2025 is expected to belong to agentic AI—systems capable of planning and executing tasks autonomously. Apoorva Kumar, CEO of Inspeq AI, predicts that ‘an upsurge in AI governance centered around AI agents’ will be paramount due to the unique challenges they present.
Shifting from Ethics to Operational Realities
The conversation surrounding AI governance is gradually shifting from theoretical ethics to practical operational realities. Giovanni Leoni, Responsible AI Manager at Accenture, states, ‘AI governance is a change management journey,’ emphasizing the necessity for companies to embed responsible AI principles into their strategies.
Environmental Considerations in AI Governance
Environmental concerns are also gaining prominence in discussions about AI governance. Jose Belo, co-chair of IAPP London Chapter, stresses the collaborative responsibility between providers and deployers to minimize AI’s environmental impact. ‘Providers must design energy-efficient systems,’ he states, alongside promoting sustainable practices within organizations.
Looking Forward: Challenges and Opportunities
As we look towards 2025, the road to enhanced AI governance is expected to be riddled with challenges, yet ripe with opportunities for growth and improvement. Corporate investment and education on AI literacy are recognized as critical factors in advancing AI governance practices. Ultimately, collaboration across multiple fronts will be essential for fostering a future where AI innovations can thrive responsibly.
