AI for Social Impact and Public Policy
Photo © Freepik
Online
AI for Social Impact and Public Policy
19 Enero–27 Febrero 2026
El curso está disponible en English
Presentación del curso
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant frontier, it is now into the everyday life reshaping the way societies function, how economies evolve, and how public institutions respond to emerging challenges. AI is driving profound transformations that reach far beyond automated decision-making. Its expanding influence brings new possibilities for innovation, but also difficult questions about social impact, equity, accountability and the responsibility of public institutions to ensure that technological change serves the public good and benefits everyone. This course invites participants to explore AI from multiple angles, beginning with a clear understanding of how machine learning and data-driven systems operate. The learning path starts by unpacking how data becomes insight, how models are developed, and why these technical foundations matter for real-world applications. Attention then shifts to AI as a sociotechnical system, examining how it interacts with people, organisations, and different contexts of use. As the course progresses, the focus broadens to the challenges and opportunities linked to AI's expansion. Participants examine digital divides and the conditions required for meaningful digital inclusion. They are also introduced to the rapidly evolving field of AI governance and regulation, comparing national approaches, analysing how regulatory choices shape system design and deployment, and considering the institutional capacities needed to ensure safe and reliable use. A central component of the module explores AI's impact on labour markets and economic models. Sessions analyse how technologies reshape tasks and occupations, how algorithmic management influences workplace dynamics, and how new AI-enabled business models create emerging pressures and opportunities for workers and organisations. The course concludes with an examination of AI in policymaking and public services. Through concrete examples, participants assess where AI can strengthen public initiatives, where it may fall short, and what conditions are necessary for responsible and effective deployment. By the end of the module, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of how AI functions, how it interacts with social and economic systems, and how regulatory frameworks and institutional practices shape its impact. The course provides not only essential technical foundations but also the analytical perspective required to navigate AI's growing role in public policy.
¿Quiénes participan en este curso?
Public administration officials and international organization staff working in economic, technological, industrial, and social policy. - Experts in public affairs departments of technology companies. - Practitioners in industrial and employment relations from both the private and public sectors. - Trade union and employers' organization officials. - Policy analysts from national and international think tanks, financial institutions, and research departments.
Course Contents
The course is delivered online over six weeks, with each week focusing on a specific dimension of AI and its impact on public policy and social outcomes:
- Introduction to AI: Big Data, Machine Learning, and Data Mining
The course begins with an introduction to core technical concepts. Participants explore Big Data, machine learning, and data mining. This module covers key concepts, such as the challenges of big data, its generation, and the role it plays in AI. The week provides a practical foundation for understanding how AI tools operate and how they are applied in real-world contexts.
- Sociotechnical Nature of Algorithms, Digital Divide and Inequality
The second week shifts from technical foundations to the social and contextual factors that influence AI. Participants will examine how algorithms interact with institutions, behaviour and existing social structures. The discussion also addresses digital divides, exploring the conditions required for meaningful digital inclusion and how unequal access to technology affects the potential and limitations of AI adoption.
- AI Governance and Policymaking
This module introduces participants to the fast-evolving field of AI governance. Sessions explore the institutional arrangements needed to oversee AI development and deployment, national AI strategies, measurement of AI capacities, and the mechanisms through which public administrations can guide, monitor and evaluate AI systems. The focus is on understanding governance tools that support safe, transparent and effective AI use.
- AI Regulation: Comparative Approaches and Emerging Frameworks
Building on governance foundations, the fourth week focuses specifically on regulatory frameworks. The module will explore different national approaches and analyse efforts to create trustworthy, accountable and rights-aligned AI, while comparing how regulatory philosophies differ across jurisdictions.
- Socio-economic Impacts of AI in Labour Markets
This module delves into the broader social and economic consequences of AI. The sessions addresses how AI transforms tasks, occupations and skill requirements, how algorithmic management reshapes workplace dynamics, and how AI-enabled business models influence labour-market structures. Attention is given to issues of fairness, economic inclusion and the changing relationship between automation and human oversight.
- Applications of AI in Policymaking and Decision-Making
The final week examines how AI tools are applied in policymaking. Participants will explore real-world scenarios demonstrating how AI is being used in decision-making processes across various sectors. The module assesses where AI can enhance public action, where it may introduce new risks, and the conditions needed to ensure transparency, accountability and effective integration into policy processes.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the core technical foundations of of AI, including big data, machine learning, and data-driven models.
- Analyse the sociotechnical nature of algorithms and identify factors contributing to digital divides and inequalities.
- Navigate key approaches to AI governance and policymaking, recognising institutional requirements for oversight and evaluation.
- Gain insights into AI regulation and governance frameworks, focusing on fostering trustworthy AI and measuring national AI capacities.
- Analyse the socio-economic impacts of AI, particularly on labour markets, work organisation and emerging business models.
- Evaluate practical applications of AI in policymaking and public services, identifying opportunities, risks and conditions for responsible use.
Training Phase
The course will combine online expert-led lectures, readings, case studies, and interactive discussions. Online lectures will be held twice a week (typically on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM CET), whose attendance is compulsory (a few absences will be allowed).
Certification
A certificate of achievement from ITCILO will be issued for participants who meet the following criteria:
- At least 90% attendance of live webinars and completion of offline learning activities.
- Successful completion of the final assignment
