Social enterprises and AI: Case study series

Through the SEWF Community Consultation, we asked the global social enterprise community to share the issues most pressing to them. One of the themes that stood out was Artificial Intelligence (AI). Many people expressed a mix of fear, concern, curiosity and hope about how this fast-evolving technology could shape their work and the sector at large with many looking to learn from real-world social enterprise examples. 

AI: the ever-present great unknown for social enterprises

AI is everywhere. We encounter it almost every day in all aspects of our digital lives, from personalised morning news recommendations and television adverts to the results of online searches and social media feeds – AI is there. Whether we notice it or not, choose to use it or not, we are already in regular contact with it.

But still, despite being so, it is a mystery for many including social enterprises. Many can see the buzz and the promises of this trending technology, but far fewer know what’s really happening. The inner workings of the AI industry remain hidden behind technical jargon, corporate secrecy and lack of knowledge about how these systems actually work. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for social enterprises and others to fully understand how AI could help them in their work and when and where to exercise caution. 

AI and its risks: What social enterprises need to consider

Social enterprises in the SEWF community have voiced concerns about the use of AI, particularly around ethics, bias, data privacy and exclusion. Many were unsure how AI systems are trained, who controls the data, or how algorithmic decisions might reinforce existing inequalities. For some, the fear of being left behind was palpable due to the increasing demand and usage of AI-powered tools in every field. Others worried about unintended harms when working with marginalised communities.

Their caution is justified. Increasingly, reports highlight the negative consequences of AI in practice. Recruitment tools have been shown to reinforce existing biases, putting women and minority groups at a disproportionate disadvantage. Data privacy and ownership are also persistent issues, as sensitive user information and intellectual property are used to train AI models. In addition to the social risks, AI has a significant environmental footprint. Training large models consumes substantial amounts of energy and water, contributing to carbon emissions and climate impact. For social enterprises, organisations whose very mission is to create a better world for people and the planet, these concerns are not only valid – they are critical for guiding responsible use of AI.

Harnessing AI: From efficiency to impact

While the risks associated with the current state of AI use are real, at the same time, AI offers promise. Many social enterprises see its potential to tackle the problems society faces that they seek to address. AI-powered tools can improve operational efficiency when budgets are tight, personalise their services and offer other benefits that scale the impact of a venture. Social enterprises often operate with small teams, limited budgets and high demand, making it difficult to meet growing community needs. AI can help fill these gaps by automating routine tasks, improving decision-making and allowing teams to focus on mission-critical work. Some social enterprises already use AI-powered tools like chatbots, SMS-based health systems and AI-driven environmental monitoring to support their work. These organisations are great examples of how social enterprises can further scale their mission, offsetting some of the negative impacts of AI.

AI for social good: Embracing technology and driving change

This case study series will spotlight a range of social enterprises using AI for good. It will draw on that collective expertise to explore what AI can mean for social enterprises. We will focus on practical, grounded examples, from case studies to expert input and unpack both the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption in purpose-driven work. If your social enterprise has embedded AI in your business model, please join the conversation on the SEWF LinkedIn Group. 

Also read:

Meet the committees making SEWF 2022 a reality From funding to income:  How White Box Enterprises is supporting social enterprises to start and grow in Australia, while also generating revenue  5 innovative ways you can create positive social change in your community (with useful links) Euclid Network – the European Social Enterprise Network welcomes SEWF23 to Europe! How Amsterdam has created a climate where social enterprises can thrive