While the top minds in artificial intelligence are racing to make the technology think more like humans, researchers at Elon University have asked the opposite question: How will AI change the way humans think?
The answer comes with a grim warning: Many tech experts worry that AI will make people worse at skills core to being human, such as empathy and deep thinking.
‘Fundamental, revolutionary change’
Elon University researchers surveyed 301 tech leaders, analysts and academics, including Vint Cerf, one of the “fathers of the internet”, World Leader in AIWS Recipient, and now a Google vice president; Jonathan Grudin, University of Washington Information School professor and former longtime Microsoft researcher and project manager; former Aspen Institute executive vice president Charlie Firestone; and tech futurist and Futuremade CEO Tracey Follows. Nearly 200 of the respondents wrote full-length essay responses for the report.
More than 60% of the respondents said they expect AI will change human capabilities in a “deep and meaningful” or “fundamental, revolutionary” way over the next 10 years. Half said they expect AI will create changes to humanity for the better and the worse in equal measure, while 23% said the changes will be mostly for the worse. Just 16% said changes will be mostly for the better (the remainder said they didn’t know or expected little change overall).
The Boston Finance Accord for AI Governance 24/7, set to be unveiled on April 22, 2025, at Harvard University’s Loeb House during the Boston Global Forum (BGF) Conference, represents a groundbreaking framework to revolutionize governance through artificial intelligence and innovative financial systems. Building on the legacy of the AI World Society (AIWS) Initiative (2017), the Social Contract for the AI Age (2020), and the Tokyo Accord (March 28, 2025), this accord harnesses Boston’s financial and academic leadership—through distinguished professors from Harvard Business School (HBS) and MIT Sloan—to establish secure, scalable funding mechanisms for continuous, AI-driven public service. Championed by BGF co-founders Governor Michael Dukakis, Nguyen Anh Tuan, Professor Thomas Patterson, and Professor John Quelch, alongside its Board of Directors, the accord integrates ethical AI standards, citizen empowerment, and a new AIWS Knowledge System to promote fairness, kindness, and global collaboration. It aims to redefine governance for the Age of Global Enlightenment, ensuring 24/7 access to equitable, transparent services worldwide.
Invitation to Contribute
We invite thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, financial experts, and citizens worldwide to contribute to the official version of the Boston Finance Accord for AI Governance 24/7, to be announced at the BGF Conference on April 22, 2025, at Harvard University’s Loeb House. Your insights—whether on financial infrastructure, ethical AI governance, citizen participation, or the AIWS Knowledge System—will shape this transformative framework. Join us in advancing a vision where AI and finance unite to serve humanity continuously, reflecting the principles of transparency, equity, and inclusivity championed by the Boston Global Forum. Please submit your contributions, ideas, or feedback by April 18, 2025, to [email protected]. Together, let’s build a future of governance that inspires peace and opportunity for all.
DENDRAL was an influential project in artificial intelligence (AI) of the 1960s, and the computer software expert system that it produced. Its primary aim was to study hypothesis formation and discovery in science. For that, a specific task in science was chosen: help organic chemists in identifying unknown organic molecules, by analyzing their mass spectra and using knowledge of chemistry. It was done at Stanford University by Edward Feigenbaum, Bruce Buchanan, Joshua Lederberg, and Carl Djerassi, along with a team of highly creative research associates and students. The software program DENDRAL is considered the first expert system because it automated the decision-making process and problem-solving behavior of organic chemists. The project consisted of research on two main programs Heuristic Dendral and Meta-Dendral, and several sub-programs. It was written in LISP (programming language), which was considered the language of AI because of its flexibility.
Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s Minister of Digital Affairs, honored former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s legacy of balancing innovation with human dignity. She emphasized that technology must serve ethical, human-centered goals—a vision aligned with Japan’s Society 5.0.
Tang introduced Taiwan’s vision for the “AIWS Government 24/7 AI and Finance Platform,” stressing the importance of ethical, responsive governance supported by public trust and civic participation. Drawing from a decade of digital democracy, she shared how Taiwan uses “broad listening”—a model of collaborative dialogue rather than top-down broadcasting—to build trust and co-create policy.
She discussed the g0v movement, where citizens prototype digital solutions to improve public services, and highlighted Taiwan’s use of AI-enhanced deliberation tools like Pol.is to engage citizens in meaningful dialogue. One example was the public debate on Uber vs. taxis, which led to constructive policy outcomes without polarization.
Tang warned of AI’s risks—such as deepfakes and disinformation—but emphasized that AI can also empower collective intelligence and public deliberation. Taiwan implemented AI-facilitated “citizen assemblies” to combat fake ads, resulting in rapid legislative reforms to protect information integrity.
She introduced Taiwan’s guiding principle of “plurality over singularity”—embracing diverse intelligences to enhance human collaboration, not replace it. Tang also praised Japan’s initiatives, such as those led by Tokyo gubernatorial candidate Takaho Ano, that demonstrate participatory, tech-based governance.
In conclusion, Tang called for strengthening civic muscles through AI-assisted public dialogue, emphasizing that trust and accountability—not just technological advancement—are essential. She closed with her personal motto: transforming the Internet of Things into an Internet of Beings, and always remembering that while the singularity may be near, plurality is already here.
Adopted at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference, Tokyo, March 28, 2025
The “Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms,” adopted on March 28, 2025, at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference in Tokyo, marks a landmark in the global pursuit of ethical, innovative, and continuous AI-powered governance. Hosted by the Boston Global Forum (BGF), this accord crowns over a decade of collaboration, sparked by BGF’s founding in 2012 by Michael Dukakis, Nguyen Anh Tuan, Thomas Patterson, and John Quelch, all dedicated to harnessing AI for humanity’s benefit and honoring the legacy of Japan’s late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Shaped by prior global AI dialogues, notably the AI Action Summit in Paris (February 10-11, 2025), the Tokyo Accord emerged from discussions among luminaries including Michael Dukakis, Audrey Tang, Elisabeth Moreno, Yasuhide Nakayama, Nguyen Anh Tuan, Alex Pentland, Kazuo Yano, Joris Poort, Soichiro Chiba, Yutaka Matsuo, Nobukatsu Kanehara, and Takehiro Kano, alongside Japanese policymakers like Minister Minoru Kiuchi. Their expertise forged a consensus on integrating AI and finance platforms for real-time governance, prioritizing scalability, transparency, and citizen empowerment.
Adopted on March 28, 2025, the Tokyo Accord sets standards for AIWS Government 24/7, focusing on a financial backbone for continuous public services. Inspired by Tang’s transparent systems in Taiwan, it promotes secure, interoperable finance platforms to ensure equity and ethical oversight. The accord’s roots trace to Nguyen Anh Tuan’s visit to Ishikawa Prefecture on March 26, 2025, where, inspired by Governor Hiroshi Hase, he envisioned a September 2025 conference to transform disaster recovery into human-centric AI initiatives, amplifying the accord’s spirit.
A testament to BGF’s “think and do” philosophy, the Tokyo Accord bridges AIWS vision with actionable policy. Its outcomes, shared with world leaders post-conference, aim to steer global governance into the Age of Global Enlightenment, reflecting Abe’s belief in technology as a force for peace and prosperity. Rooted in years of collaboration and crystallized in Tokyo, this historic document charts a bold path where AI and finance unite to serve humanity 24/7.
Opening Remarks of Governor Michael Dukakis at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference, March 28, 2025
Today, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. The world is changing rapidly, driven by the transformative power of artificial intelligence. This revolution touches every aspect of our lives—how we work, how we connect, how we govern. With such profound change comes a critical responsibility for governments to adapt, to reform, and to reimagine how we serve our citizens. Our mission is clear: to harness these advancements to make our people happier, our societies more peaceful, and our world safer. This is not just an opportunity—it is an urgent necessity.
At this very important moment, we must commit to building a better world together. One promising solution lies in the concept of the AI World Society Government 24/7—an innovative framework that leverages AI to enhance governance, ensuring it is responsive, transparent, and accessible around the clock. This vision aligns with the values Shinzo Abe championed: progress, stability, and a deep commitment to the well-being of all. I invite you—leaders, thinkers, and innovators—to join us in building AIWS Government 24/7, a model for the future that can reshape how we lead and serve.
While I cannot be with you in Tokyo, I am thrilled that Nguyen Anh Tuan will carry this message forward. His presence at this conference highlights a significant trip to Japan, which began on March 24, 2025, during which he has engaged with government leaders, business visionaries, distinguished scholars, and outstanding students, as well as participated in key political events. The mission of his trip is to advance the AIWS and Shinzo Abe Initiative, fostering deeper connections between Japan and the United States, and amplifying Japan’s vital role on the global stage through the AIWS Government 24/7 initiative.
Speech by Minoru Kiuchi, Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, Japan
Minoru Kiuchi, Japan’s Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, delivered a notable speech at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference on March 28, 2025, in Tokyo. Highlighting Japan’s role in advancing the AIWS Government 24/7 initiative.
As Governor Michael Dukakis wrote in his Opening Remarks at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference on March 28, 2025, in Tokyo: “I am thrilled that Nguyen Anh Tuan will carry this message forward. His presence at this conference highlights a significant trip to Japan, which began on March 24, 2025, during which he has engaged with government leaders, business visionaries, distinguished scholars, and outstanding students, as well as participated in key political events. The mission of his trip is to advance the AIWS and Shinzo Abe Initiative, fostering deeper connections between Japan and the United States, and amplifying Japan’s vital role on the global stage through the AIWS Government 24/7 initiative.”
As the Representative of the Boston Global Forum (BGF) in Japan and Taiwan, I am deeply honored to have arranged an agenda for Mr. Tuan during his special trip to Japan from March 24 to March 30, 2025.
On March 26, I accompanied Mr. Tuan to visit Ishikawa Prefecture and meet with Governor Hiroshi Hase.
During the meeting at the Governor’s office, when Governor Hase asked him what he intended to achieve with his visit today, I proposed the idea of organizing a conference here. Immediately, in a flash of inspiration, Nguyen Anh Tuan spoke: “The earthquake brought immense pain and loss to Ishikawa, but let us transform this suffering and the devastation caused by nature into new miracles. This will serve as a reminder to humanity to cherish nature, to avoid causing disasters and destruction to both people and the environment ourselves. Here, we will give birth to ideas, initiatives, and creative programs to build a better humanity in the era of artificial intelligence, within the AI World Society (AIWS), ensuring that humanity does not bring about disasters for itself through artificial intelligence.” With that spirit, BGF, together with Governor Hiroshi Hase and the Ishikawa government, will organize a conference in September 2025—not a conference to solicit donations to recover from the 2024 Ishikawa earthquake, but one that uses Ishikawa as a foundation to collaboratively develop action programs to prevent human-made disasters in the AI era.
Adopted at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference, Tokyo, March 28, 2025
Preamble
We, the participants of the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference, gathered in Tokyo on March 28, 2025, to honor the legacy of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe—a visionary leader who strengthened Japan and advanced global peace and security—recognize the urgent need to transform governance and financial systems in an era of rapid technological change. Inspired by his commitment to innovation, stability, and service to humanity, we hereby establish the Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms. This accord is a bold step toward realizing the AI World Society (AIWS) vision, with AIWS Government 24/7 as its cornerstone, ensuring that governments and financial systems serve citizens continuously, ethically, and effectively.
Principles
Continuous Governance:
We commit to developing AIWS Government 24/7—a framework that harnesses artificial intelligence, digital tools, and quantum computing to provide governance that is accessible, transparent, and responsive 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This ensures that governments meet the needs of citizens in real-time, fostering trust and resilience.
Finance as a Force for Good:
We pledge to construct AI-driven finance platforms that innovate and reform financial systems, integrating them with Government 24/7. These platforms will leverage AI, digital technologies, and quantum computing to enhance efficiency, ensure economic resilience, and promote ethical advancement for the benefit of all.
Humanity at the Core:
The deployment of AI and finance platforms must prioritize human well-being, equity, and inclusion, reflecting the humane leadership exemplified by Shinzo Abe. These systems will empower citizens, reduce disparities, and strengthen societal bonds.
Global Leadership through Collaboration:
Building on Japan’s legacy of contributing to world peace and security, we aim to position Japan as a leader in ethical AI and economic progress. This accord fosters collaboration between nations, particularly strengthening ties between Japan and the United States, to share knowledge, resources, and innovations.
Innovation and Stability:
We honor Shinzo Abe’s vision by balancing cutting-edge technology with stability. The integration of AI and finance platforms into governance will drive progress while safeguarding the security and prosperity of our societies.
Commitments
Implementation of AIWS Government 24/7: We will work to adopt and refine AIWS Government 24/7, ensuring that it becomes a model for continuous, citizen-centered governance worldwide. This includes pilot programs, policy frameworks, and technological infrastructure to support its realization.
Development of Finance Platforms: We will establish AI and quantum-powered finance platforms that integrate with Government 24/7, reforming financial systems to be more efficient, resilient, and equitable. These platforms will be designed to support economic growth and ethical investment.
Dialogue and Action: We commit to ongoing discussions, beginning today at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference under the theme “Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms,” to refine and advance this vision. We will engage government leaders, business innovators, scholars, and students to build a global coalition.
Tribute to Shinzo Abe: We dedicate this accord to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose leadership inspires us to create stronger, more effective, and more humane systems. Japan will lead by example, amplifying its role in shaping a peaceful and prosperous world.
Call to Action
We invite all nations, organizations, and individuals to join us in this historic endeavor. The Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms is a commitment to harness technology for the greater good, building on Shinzo Abe’s legacy to create a future where governments and financial systems serve humanity with unwavering dedication. Let us act with purpose and unity to make this vision a reality.
Signed in Tokyo, Japan, on this 28th day of March, 2025
Dukakis, Michael, Former Governor of Massachusetts, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Boston Global Forum Jonen, Tsukasa, Economic Commentator Kanehara, Nobukatsu, Executive Director, The Sasakawa Peace Foundation; Professor, Doshisha University; The Inaugural Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Secretariat Kano, Takehiro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Delegate of Japan to UNESCO Kiuchi, Minoru, Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy Matsuo, Yutaka, Professor from Tokyo University (AI), External Board Director, SoftBank Group Corp Moreno, Elisabeth, Former French Minister, Representative of BGF France and Africa Nakayama, Yasuhide, Representative of BGF Japan and Taiwan; Former State Minister of Defense, Former State Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen, Tuan, BGF Co-Chair and CEO Nham, Quynh, Senior Assistant to Chairman of BGF Pentland, Alex, MIT and Stanford Professor Poort, Joris, CEO, Rescale Tang, Audrey, The First Minister for Digital Affairs, Republic of China Yano, Kazuo, Fellow of Hitachi, Ltd. (AI)
