How e& And IBM Are Driving More Ethical AI Deployments
The need for governance frameworks has become a central concern for regulators and businesses as companies worldwide grapple with managing AI systems.
Despite the deployment of AI models - from customer service chatbots to network optimisation systems - AI has created challenges in monitoring performance, ensuring ethical use and maintaining regulatory compliance.
As a result, technology companies face pressure to demonstrate responsible AI deployment while maintaining the pace of innovation.
In this context, e& has partnered with IBM to deploy an AI governance system, the companies announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The system, which uses IBM's watsonx.governance platform, will monitor AI systems for compliance issues and ethical concerns.
IBM Consulting to implement governance framework
IBM's consulting division will work with e& to create protocols for monitoring AI systems, including setting performance indicators and moving existing AI models onto the governance platform.
The system will use IBM Consulting Advantage, a delivery platform enhanced with AI capabilities, to speed up implementation through tools like persona mapping and architecture patterns.
"As AI continues to transform industries, responsible governance is paramount," says Dena Almansoori, Group Chief AI and Data Officer at e&.
"By adopting IBM watsonx.governance, we're taking a decisive step forward in our AI journey."
The implementation process includes creating detailed workflows for AI oversight and establishing metrics to measure the effectiveness of AI systems and IBM consultants will transfer knowledge to e& staff to ensure long-term management of the platform.
Watsonx platform to provide real-time monitoring of AI risks
The governance system will create a central database of AI models used across e&'s operations.
This will allow the company to track how the models perform and identify issues like bias - where AI systems systematically discriminate against certain groups - and drift, where AI model performance degrades over time.
The platform also includes automated risk management and compliance monitoring features.
These tools aim to help e& meet regulatory requirements throughout what IBM calls the "AI model lifecycle" - from when models are first developed until they are retired from use.
Middle East AI adoption drives need for governance
The partnership comes as Middle Eastern companies increase their use of AI systems and e& aims to establish standards for AI governance that could influence practices across the region.
The collaboration builds on existing work between e& and IBM, including a recent report titled "MENA's AI advantage: Opportunity to leap ahead and lead" which examined perspectives from Middle East business leaders on artificial intelligence adoption and implementation.
"IBM watsonx empowers organisations like e& to navigate the complexities of AI governance," says Shukri Eid, General Manager for Gulf, Levant & Pakistan at IBM.
"By integrating automation, real-time monitoring, and centralised oversight, we are addressing key governance challenges and reducing risks associated with AI."
Real-time value tracking and risk assessment
The new system enables e& to monitor current AI applications while they operate, allowing immediate intervention if problems arise.
The platform measures the business value generated by AI systems while tracking potential risks.
e& will use the system to maintain oversight of its expanding AI operations and the company plans to scale its AI capabilities while ensuring compliance with regulations and ethical guidelines.
Additionally, the watsonx.governance platform provides tools for documenting AI model development and deployment decisions and this documentation helps demonstrate compliance with regulations and corporate policies.
"This collaboration ensures transparency, explainability and efficiency across our AI operations, raising the bar for AI governance in the industry," says Dena.
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