AI for policymakers

Introduction

No technical background of AI is required…..

This course equips policymakers, government officials, and public sector leaders with the knowledge needed to understand, govern, and strategically respond to artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a foundational technology shaping economies, public services, security systems, and global power dynamics. Policymakers must therefore develop both AI literacy and policy judgment to navigate its opportunities and risks. Professor Ajit Jaokar (University of Oxford)

The course bridges three essential areas : 1°) Understanding how AI works, 2°) Applying AI governance in real policy contexts, 3°) Navigating the global strategic competition around AI

 

Section 1 Foundation of Artificial Intelligence 

Purpose : This section provides policymakers with the essential vocabulary and understanding needed to engage confidently with AI experts, evaluate proposals, and interpret policy implications – “Builds basic technical literacy” 

Module 1 What Is AI? A Policymaker’s Introduction

What artificial intelligence means in practice

Types of AI systems and real-world examples

The evolution of AI technologies over time

Differences between AI and traditional software

Common myths and misunderstandings about AI

Why AI has become important now

The global AI ecosystem: governments, companies, researchers

Module 2 How AI Systems Work

The role of data in AI systems

How AI models are trained and tested

The lifecycle of AI deployment

Types of machine learning

How generative AI and language models function

The importance of computing infrastructure

Open vs closed AI systems and policy implications

Module 3 AI Capabilities, Limitations, and Risks

What AI systems do well

Where AI systems struggle

Bias and fairness challenges

Explainability and transparency issues

Safety risks and unintended consequences

Dual-use nature of AI technologies

Key terminology for policymakers

Section 2 AI for Policymakers

Purpose : This section examines how AI affects economies, societies, and governance systems, and provides policymakers with tools to regulate and manage AI effectively – “Focuses on governance, regulation, and societal impact” 

Module 4 AI and the Economy

AI’s impact on productivity and growth

Changes to labor markets and employmenthere AI systems struggle

Market concentration and competition concernsias and fairness challenges

Market disruption

Industrial policy strategies for AI

AI in critical infrastructure

Risks for developing economies

Module 5 AI and Society

AI in healthcare and public services

AI in education and social systems

AI and democratic processes

Surveillance and privacy concerns

Algorithmic decision-making in government

AI’s impact on inequality

Ethical issues in autonomous systems

Module 6 Regulating and Governing AI

Different regulatory approaches

Global AI governance frameworks

Risk-based regulation models

AI accountability and liability

Public procurement of AI systems

Regulatory sandboxes and auditing

Building national AI strategies

Section 3 The Geopolitics of Artificial Intelligence

Purpose : This section explores AI as a strategic technology shaping global power relations, economic competition, and international security – “Explores AI as a strategic and global power technology.” 

Module 7 AI and National Power

AI as a driver of national competitiveness

Military applications of AI

Economic statecraft and technology controls

Semiconductor supply chain risks

AI in intelligence and surveillance

National AI strategy comparisons

Module 8 The Global AI Race and Alliances

Competition between major AI powers

Global inequalities in AI capacity

Technology alliances and digital blocs

Export controls and global supply chains

Role of international organizations

Strategies for middle-power countries

Module 9 Future Scenarios and Strategic Outlook

Frontier AI and emerging capabilities

Long-term AI risks and safety debates

Possible futures of global AI governance

International norms and agreements

Building AI-ready government institutions

Policy simulation exercises