'Data dregs' and its implications for AI ethics: Revelations from the pandemic.

Technology giants today preside over vast troves of user data that are heavily mined for profit. The concentration of such valuable data in private hands to serve mainly commercial interests must be questioned. In this article, we argue that if data is the new oil, Big Tech companies possess extensive, encompassing and granular data that is tantamount to premium oil. In contrast, governments, universities and think tanks undertake data collection efforts that are comparatively modest in scale, scope, duration and resolution and must contend with 'data dregs'. Viewed against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, this sharp data asymmetry is unfortunate because the data Big Tech monopolizes is invaluable for boosting epidemiological control, formulating government policies, enhancing social services, improving urban planning and refining public education. We explain why this state of extreme data inequity undermines societal benefit and subverts our quest for ethical AI. We also propose how it should be addressed through data sharing and Open Data initiatives.

Making universal digital access universal: lessons from COVID-19 in Singapore.

Digital resources-which include devices, internet connection and digital literacy-have become basic needs. Thus with the global COVID-19 pandemic having accelerated digitalization, the urgency for universal digital inclusion has hastened. Otherwise, digital inequality will lead to social inequality and impede social mobility. Using Singapore as a case study, this article applies the insights learned from a participatory action research to recommend a policy framework for universal digital access, with practical humanistic steps towards full digital inclusion. Singapore is a digitally advanced nation with almost universal digital availability, yet when COVID-19 forced rapid digital adoption, gaps in access by vulnerable groups such as low-income households, elderly and migrant workers were found. From the learning points on gaps and measures taken by community groups, volunteers and policy-makers in our research, we recommend making access to all three digital resources automatic and affordable, with an undergirding principle to implement technology among the most digitally excluded first before national roll out. A public-community-corporate funding and partnership model is also proposed to sustain universal provision.

‘Data dregs’ and its implications for AI ethics: Revelations from the pandemic

Technology giants today preside over vast troves of user data that are heavily mined for profit. The concentration of such valuable data in private hands to serve mainly commercial interests must be questioned. In this article, we argue that if data is the new oil, Big Tech companies possess extensive, encompassing and granular data that is tantamount to premium oil. In contrast, governments, universities and think tanks undertake data collection efforts that are comparatively modest in scale, scope, duration and resolution and must contend with ‘data dregs’. Viewed against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, this sharp data asymmetry is unfortunate because the data Big Tech monopolizes is invaluable for boosting epidemiological control, formulating government policies, enhancing social services, improving urban planning and refining public education. We explain why this state of extreme data inequity undermines societal benefit and subverts our quest for ethical AI. We also propose how it should be addressed through data sharing and Open Data initiatives.

Preparing Workplaces for Digital Transformation: An Integrative Review and Framework of Multi-Level Factors.

The rapid advancement of new digital technologies, such as smart technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, robotics, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), is fundamentally changing the nature of work and increasing concerns about the future of jobs and organizations. To keep pace with rapid disruption, companies need to update and transform business models to remain competitive. Meanwhile, the growth of advanced technologies is changing the types of skills and competencies needed in the workplace and demanded a shift in mindset among individuals, teams and organizations. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digitalization trends, while heightening the importance of employee resilience and well-being in adapting to widespread job and technological disruption. Although digital transformation is a new and urgent imperative, there is a long trajectory of rigorous research that can readily be applied to grasp these emerging trends. Recent studies and reviews of digital transformation have primarily focused on the business and strategic levels, with only modest integration of employee-related factors. Our review article seeks to fill these critical gaps by identifying and consolidating key factors important for an organization's overarching digital transformation. We reviewed studies across multiple disciplines and integrated the findings into a multi-level framework. At the individual level, we propose five overarching factors related to effective digital transformation among employees: technology adoption; perceptions and attitudes toward technological change; skills and training; workplace resilience and adaptability, and work-related wellbeing. At the group-level, we identified three factors necessary for digital transformation: team communication and collaboration; workplace relationships and team identification, and team adaptability and resilience. Finally, at the organizational-level, we proposed three factors for digital transformation: leadership; human resources, and organizational culture/climate. Our review of the literature confirms that multi-level factors are important when planning for and embarking on digital transformation, thereby providing a framework for future research and practice.