Higher education institutions are rapidly expanding their artificial intelligence offerings to meet workforce demands. Southern Illinois University announced a new AI major for fall 2023 through its College of Engineering, covering machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. Similarly, Alabama A&M University is launching a four-year Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence this fall. This 125-credit program, offered by the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, builds on existing computer science concentrations to prepare students for careers in healthcare, finance, and transportation.
While universities expand training, global governments are considering high-level cooperation. Reports indicate the United States and China are weighing official discussions on AI for a potential summit between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent leads the American side, with talks potentially focusing on joint research centers and guidelines for responsible use, particularly regarding civilian applications in healthcare and finance versus military concerns.
Despite these developments, significant challenges remain in corporate adoption and technical reliability. A Boston Consulting Group survey reveals a disconnect between boards and CEOs, with many executives warning that boards often struggle to separate AI hype from reality. In demand planning, companies face hurdles with data quality and fragmented systems, sometimes resorting to simple statistical methods labeled as AI. Furthermore, software giants like ServiceNow and SAP are adjusting pricing models as AI agents threaten to access their platforms for free, forcing a shift toward treating software as a secure platform.
Technical and ethical complexities also surface in research and education. Experts note that modern AI can be unreliable, occasionally inventing facts, such as a chatbot creating a fake book. Researchers are exploring methods like 'humanline' to train models with human-like biases to reduce costs, while others warn against rushing AI into schools, emphasizing the need for human relationships in learning. Additionally, University of Utah researchers gathered to address urgent ethical questions, highlighting the necessity of collaboration between technologists and humanities scholars to tackle issues like censorship and surveillance.
Key Takeaways
['Southern Illinois University launches a new artificial intelligence major for fall 2023 through the College of Engineering.', 'Alabama A&M University introduces a 125-credit, four-year Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence starting this fall.', 'The US and China are considering official AI discussions for a potential summit between President Trump and Xi Jinping.', 'Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent leads the American side of proposed US-China talks on AI guidelines and joint research.', "A Boston Consulting Group survey shows 40% of CEOs believe corporate boards lack an informed view of AI's impact on growth.", 'Many companies in demand planning struggle with data quality, sometimes using simple statistical methods while claiming AI capabilities.', 'ServiceNow and SAP are changing pricing models as AI agents can access their software for free or at low cost.', "Researchers developed a method called 'humanline' to train AI with human-like biases to improve efficiency and reduce costs.", 'Experts warn that rushing AI adoption in schools risks losing the essential human element of learning and critical thinking.', 'University of Utah researchers emphasize the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address AI ethics issues like censorship and surveillance.']SIU adds artificial intelligence major for fall 2023
Southern Illinois University announced a new major in artificial intelligence starting in the fall of 2023. The program is offered through the College of Engineering and covers topics like machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. Students will gain hands-on experience with AI tools to prepare for careers in data science, software engineering, and computer systems engineering. The university created this major to meet the growing demand for AI professionals in the workforce. Faculty members with expertise in AI will teach the courses.
Alabama A&M launches bachelor of science in artificial intelligence
Alabama A&M University is launching a four-year Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence program starting this fall. The College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics will offer the degree to help students succeed in fields like healthcare, finance, and transportation. Dr. Donald J. Leo, the provost, said the program gives students a competitive edge in the job market. The curriculum includes comprehensive education in AI, machine learning, and data science. Students will learn from experienced faculty and gain practical experience with AI technologies.
Alabama A&M expands computer science with new ai degree
Alabama A&M University is introducing a 125-credit, four-year program focused on artificial intelligence topics. The new degree builds on the university's existing computer science concentration in artificial intelligence. The program will cover how algorithms are built and the infrastructure that powers them. It will be available to students starting this fall. University officials say this expansion strengthens their computer science offerings.
US and China consider official talks on artificial intelligence
The United States and China are considering starting official discussions about artificial intelligence, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. The White House and the Chinese government might add AI to the agenda for a summit between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping next week. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is leading the American side of these proposed talks. The discussions could involve creating a joint research center for AI development and establishing guidelines for responsible AI use. Both nations hope to strengthen economic ties while addressing concerns about military applications of the technology.
US and China explore cooperation on artificial intelligence rules
Washington and Beijing are weighing the launch of official discussions about artificial intelligence to strengthen their economic ties. The Wall Street Journal reported that these talks could focus on developing AI technologies for civilian uses like healthcare and finance. The nations might also create a framework for the responsible use of AI systems. This move represents a significant step toward cooperation between two countries that have recently disagreed on trade and security issues. The discussions aim to address concerns over the use of AI in military applications.
Modern AI can be unreliable for specific common tasks
Modern artificial intelligence is powerful but can be unreliable if used in certain ways. An expert named Shuman Ghosemajumder shared a story where an AI chatbot invented a fake book he never wrote. The chatbot confidently provided details about the non-existent book until the user asked more questions. This example shows that AI is not always what it seems and can make things up. Society has discussed AI since the 1950s, hoping to create systems that match human intelligence. The key to using AI well is understanding its strengths and limitations.
CEOs say corporate boards struggle to separate AI hype from reality
A report from Boston Consulting Group found a disconnect between corporate boards and CEOs regarding artificial intelligence. Three-quarters of board members believe they are ahead of their peers, but almost 40% of CEOs say boards lack an informed view of how AI affects growth strategy. The survey of 351 CEOs and 274 board members showed that boards are pushing for rapid AI implementation without fully understanding the technology. More than half of the CEOs said boards need a better grasp of the difference between AI hype and reality. Some CEOs worry that boards overestimate how much AI can replace human workers.
AI in demand planning faces challenges between hype and execution
Artificial intelligence is widely used in demand planning, but companies are still figuring out how to use it effectively. A recent conference in Scottsdale showed a mix of progress, skepticism, and honesty about the technology. Some companies are using simple statistical methods but calling them AI to please their bosses. While AI capabilities are advancing, many organizations struggle with data quality and fragmented systems. The goal is moving from simple forecasting to a system where AI agents help make decisions about production and inventory. Experts suggest companies should build a solid foundation before trying to use advanced AI tools.
EVERSANA shares views on outsourcing and AI trends
Following the Asembia 2026 event, pharmaphorum spoke with Krista Pinto, a commercialization expert at EVERSANA. The discussion covered the company's perspective on outsourcing, artificial intelligence, and current sales trends. Pinto is a leading expert in these areas within the pharmaceutical industry. The interview took place after the conclusion of the Asembia 2026 conference.
Software companies change pricing models due to AI agents
Enterprise software companies are changing how they charge because AI agents are becoming more common. Companies like ServiceNow and SAP are adjusting their business models because AI chatbots can access their software for free or at a low cost. ServiceNow is restricting how outside agents can interact with its platform to protect its business. SAP is testing a new model that offers a free version with many features of its paid software. This shift treats software as a platform rather than just a product. Security remains a major challenge as companies work to ensure AI agents do not risk their data.
Training AI with human biases may improve learning efficiency
Researchers found that training artificial intelligence with human-like biases might make it smarter and cheaper to train. Training state-of-the-art language models is very expensive, and a large part of that cost comes from the alignment process. This process teaches models to give useful and appropriate answers. A team including Liu, Muennighoff, and Ethayarajh discovered that online alignment methods accidentally mimic human psychology. Humans often distort probabilities, such as overestimating rare events like winning a lottery. The researchers developed a method called humanline that deliberately incorporates these biases into training. This approach could make offline alignment just as effective as the more expensive online method.
Education leaders warn not to forget human touch in AI adoption
Education leaders argue that rushing to adopt artificial intelligence in schools risks losing the human element of learning. The focus should not just be on how fast technology can generate content or analyze data. Students need human relationships to develop critical thinking and analysis skills. A parent and educator noted that teachers use patience and care to help students like their daughter who has selective mutism. Learning is built through human interaction, trust, and the steady presence of adults. Tools should be chosen to support deep learning experiences and community rather than replacing human connection. Schools must ask if new technology aligns with their goals for students.
University of Utah researchers discuss urgent AI ethics questions
Researchers at the University of Utah held an inaugural workshop to discuss urgent ethical questions about artificial intelligence. Experts from medicine, economics, and literature gathered to talk about issues like censorship, surveillance, and AI in healthcare. The event was hosted by the One-Responsible AI Initiative and the Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute. Participants realized that solving these problems requires collaboration between technologists and humanities scholars. The workshop included an open problem session where researchers pitched big questions to the group. This interdisciplinary approach helps reveal shared concerns and potential solutions that one department might miss.
Sources
- SIU to offer artificial intelligence major
- Alabama A&M launches Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence
- Alabama A&M launches Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence
- US, China weigh launch of official discussions on AI, WSJ reports
- US, China weigh launch of official discussions on AI, WSJ reports
- Artificial Intelligence Is Amazing, but Please Don’t Use It for These Common Tasks
- Boards push AI but can’t separate hype from reality, CEOs say
- From Hype to Execution: What’s Actually Working and Not Working with AI in Demand Planning
- Views from Asembia: EVERSANA's take on outsourcing, AI, and sales trends
- Can AI Tollgates Become the New SaaS Model?
- AI Works Better When It’s a Little Bit Human
- OPINION: In the rush to adopt new AI technologies, let us not forget about the human touch
- U researchers confront urgent AI ethics questions
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