Shifting AI Paradigms: From Human-Centered to Connected Intelligence
Amsterdam, Sunday, 26 October 2025.
The transition from Human-Centered AI to Connected Intelligence emphasizes AI’s broader impact on society and ecosystems, advocating collaboration and sustainable development to benefit future generations.
The Rise of Connected Intelligence
The shift towards Connected Intelligence in AI marks a significant departure from the traditional Human-Centered AI (HCAI) paradigm. While HCAI prioritizes human values and collaboration between humans and machines, Connected Intelligence expands this focus to include the impact on entire societies, ecosystems, and future generations [1]. This approach is grounded in systems thinking, which considers the broader effects of AI on the economy, culture, and ecology, encouraging technology to be part of a larger whole [1].
Kaitiaki Intelligence Platform: A Case Study
One pioneering example of Connected Intelligence is the Kaitiaki Intelligence Platform (KIP) in New Zealand, inspired by the Māori worldview. This platform integrates modern sensors with traditional knowledge to monitor environmental health, while ensuring that local communities retain control over the data [1]. This initiative exemplifies Māori Algorithmic Sovereignty, which advocates for algorithms to act morally within their cultural context [1].
The Abundant Intelligences Program
The Abundant Intelligences program, involving researchers from Canada, the US, and New Zealand, is another embodiment of this new AI paradigm. This program aims to develop AI systems that are deeply connected to language, culture, and community well-being, leveraging indigenous knowledge frameworks that emphasize relationships and care over individual efficiency [1]. This collaborative effort underscores the potential for AI to foster more just and connected human-earth relationships [1].
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
The transition to Connected Intelligence requires organizations to rethink their approach to technology, prioritizing community, environmental sustainability, and future generations rather than individual users. This necessitates co-creation, ethical reflection, and ongoing discussions about the nature of ‘good technology’ [1]. As organizations embrace this shift, they are likely to shape a more sustainable and equitable technological future that aligns with the principles of Connected Intelligence [1].