Introducing Leading Women in AI: Karine Perset’s Impact on AI Policy
TechCrunch is proud to shine a spotlight on the exceptional women making a difference in the world of AI. One of these remarkable individuals is Karine Perset, who plays a pivotal role at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), heading its AI Unit and overseeing the OECD.AI Policy Observatory and Networks of Experts within the Division for Digital Economy Policy.
Karine Perset’s Expertise in AI and Public Policy
Perset’s expertise lies in the intersection of AI and public policy. Her previous roles include serving as an advisor to the Governmental Advisory Committee at the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and as a Counselor at the OECD’s Science, Technology, and Industry Directorate.
Perset’s Pride in OECD.AI Work
When asked about her most prideful accomplishment in the AI field, Perset highlights the impactful work being done at OECD.AI. She expresses pride in the increasing demand for policy guidance on trustworthy AI from OECD member countries and the broader AI ecosystem. The OECD.AI Policy Observatory, which serves as a comprehensive resource for AI data and trends, now catalogs over 1,000 AI initiatives across nearly 70 jurisdictions, showcasing the significant growth in global AI initiatives in recent years.
Challenges and Opportunities in AI Governance
Perset acknowledges the complex questions that governments worldwide are grappling with in terms of AI governance. Balancing the promotion of innovation and seizing the opportunities presented by AI with mitigating potential risks is a critical challenge. The emergence of generative AI in recent years has heightened the urgency of addressing these issues. She emphasizes the significance of the ten OECD AI Principles established in 2019, which continue to guide policymakers in developing AI policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and the planet amidst rapid advancements in AI technology.
Collaborative Efforts for Advancing AI Policy
To monitor the progress of implementing the OECD AI Principles, Perset and her team have created the OECD.AI Policy Observatory, a centralized hub for real-time AI data, analysis, and reports. This platform has become a key resource for policymakers globally. Recognizing the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, the OECD.AI Network of Experts was established, consisting of over 350 leading AI experts globally. These experts collaborate across six thematic groups to address critical issues such as AI risk and accountability, incidents involving AI, and the future trajectory of AI.
In closing, Karine Perset’s impactful work at OECD.AI exemplifies the essential role that collaborative efforts play in shaping responsible AI policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and society.

