Conceptualizing Sustainable Artificial Intelligence Development

The next level of digitalization in (smart) manufacturing will be the broad implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As in every evolutionary step, AI will not only affect the processes it is implemented in but will also have an impact on the way employees and organizations work. The paper underpins the importance of changing the collaboration schema with the development of AI – and its social impact. Nevertheless, technological innovation is mainly driven by economic pressure nowadays, but the demand for sustainability and ethical development of AI has become of significant importance, especially for the manufacturing sector. With this paper, we would like to offer a conceptual approach on how sustainability issues can be brought together with AI development in the industry to create ecological, economic, and social value. Based on Design Science Research, a concept is developed that illuminates the possibilities of sustainable AI development at the different impact levels.