Why AI ethics will be a top priority for tech leaders in 2025

A growing number of businesses are delaying or canceling generative AI initiatives due to ethical concerns, highlighting the need for broader involvement in AI development beyond technical teams.

Current landscape: The IBM Institute for Business Value reports that 56% of businesses are postponing major generative AI investments until clearer standards and regulations emerge.

• 72% of organizations indicate they would rather forgo AI benefits than face ethical risks
• Technical challenges of AI implementation have largely been solved, but ethical considerations now pose more complex challenges
• Business leaders increasingly view AI ethics as a competitive advantage, with 75% seeing it as a differentiator

Evolving approach to AI development: The creation of ethical AI requires a shift from purely technical solutions to a broader socio-technical framework that encompasses diverse perspectives.

• Development teams need to expand beyond data scientists and IT specialists
• Linguistics experts, philosophers, parents, and people from varied socioeconomic backgrounds should be included in AI teams
• Well-curated AI models that consider ethical implications tend to be more accurate

Key considerations for AI teams: Development groups must address fundamental questions about AI implementation and impact.

• Teams must evaluate whether AI solutions effectively address intended problems
• Domain experts need to verify data appropriateness
• Developers should assess and plan for potential unintended consequences
• Mitigation strategies for negative effects must be developed proactively

Business value proposition: Organizations can realize three distinct types of return on investment from ethical AI initiatives.

• Economic impact includes tangible benefits like cost savings and regulatory compliance
• Capabilities impact focuses on long-term benefits such as modernized infrastructure and innovation potential
• Reputational impact encompasses brand value, employee retention, and positive stakeholder relationships

Stakeholder alignment: Consumer sentiment strongly supports ethical AI development and implementation.

• More than 85% of consumers, citizens, and employees prioritize AI ethics
• 54% of executives expect AI ethics to become very important strategically
• Ongoing education of leadership teams about AI ethics impact remains crucial

Future implications: The transition from technical to ethical considerations in AI development signals a fundamental shift in how organizations approach artificial intelligence innovation. Success will increasingly depend on building diverse, multidisciplinary teams that can navigate both technical and ethical challenges while maintaining strong stakeholder trust.