In this article, we identify challenges in the complex interaction between artificial intelligence (AI) systems  and society.

We argue that AI systems need to be studied in their socio-political context to be able to better appreciate a diverse set of potential outcomes that emerge from long-term feedback between technological development, inequalities and collective decision-making processes. This means that assessing the risks from the deployment of any specific technology presents unique challenges.

We propose that risk assessments concerning AI systems should incorporate a complex systems perspective, with adequate models that can represent shortand long-term effects and feedback, along with an emphasis on increasing public engagement and participation in the process.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Cocreating the future: participatory cities and digital
governance’.

D. Kondor, V. Hafez, S. Shankar, R. Wazir, F. Karimi, Complex systems perspective in assessing risks in artificial intelligence, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences 382(2285) (2024) 20240109.