Module Directory

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Global Ethics and Innovation focuses on the uptake and integration of AI systems, tools and applications into public and private life, internationally. The module looks at the ways in which governments, business, and civil societies, are managing, facilitating and/or experiencing AI related processes in both the global north, and south. Sourcing the University of Essex’s Policy Observatory for the World of Work, the module focusses on the range of approaches in regulation, development and governance across a series of locations. The module is designed methodologically based on the comparative political economy approach.

AI Global Ethics and Innovation is tripartite in structure, reflecting the range of voices, activities, and concerns emerging, as AI is integrated into society. Taking a global approach, the module is balanced across technical, empirical, and theoretical dimensions in AI integration. Students will first learn about the ways AI is regulated, where technical approaches are led by governments demonstrate the range of approaches to setting up parameters within which a variety of AI restrictions and permissions are being rolled out. Secondly, students will study the empirical development of AI, where businesses of all sizes are aiming to innovate AI products, and work on market release. To do so, some companies are writing codes of conduct in line with the EU’s AI Pact, but others are adopting an aggressive approach, despite the importance of compliance. Thirdly, the module is about governance, where the theoretical and ethical aspects of AI integration will be analysed. Many ethics frameworks are in circulation from a series of stakeholder organisations and NGOs. Trade unions have responded in various ways and are designing collective responses based in worker power methodologies. Governance for this final section of the module has to do with civil society, worker representative groups, and other responses and activities from grassroots organisations.

The aims of this module are:

1. To educate students into the varieties of approaches to regulation, development and governance in the global south, and global north.


2. To introduce students to comparative political economy as it relates to the ways in which societies are integrating AI.


3. To enable students to move away from a Eurocentric focus on technology integration through looking at case studies across the world.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the tools to make comparisons across governments’ activities related to, and approaches to regulating for, AI systems integration.


2. Critically evaluate the ways in which businesses of various sizes have worked to develop AI products, methods in preparing codes of conduct, and gestures to prepare for compliance.


3. Identify and explain how civil society is responding to the integration of, and adoption of, AI systems in public and private life, including NGOs, trade unions and other bodies.

Students should choose this module via eNROL.

Complimentary learning or prior knowledge

Students can apply knowledge from their prior or current work practice, or any other analytical, critical and problem-solving skills from their organisation and/or academic experience.

Indicative Syllabus: 

• AI Regulation: Jurisdictions and governmental activities in a series of locations will be covered, such as India, Brazil, China, USA, UK, and the EU.


• AI Development: Company activities will be covered, including the development of codes of conduct, and compliance activities.


• AI Governance: this section has to do with the ways that civil society is responding to the integration of, and adoption of, AI systems in public and private life, including NGOs, trade unions and other bodies.

This module will be delivered via:

• 3 hour lectures with integrated seminars x 10 weeks
• Academic Support Hours of Tutors
• Independent Study by Students
• Guidance on Moodle Page/TALIS reading list

Students will be able to enhance their learning through a range of key reading materials, including journal articles, case studies, reports, learning platforms, such as Moodle and Talis reading lists. In preparation of the session, students are expected to have undertaken the relevant readings to participate and engage in discussions on the topic in class