PROJECT SUMMARY

Researchers inside buidling with red and orange glass

Critical AI Capabilities Index (CAIC Index): Measuring Safe and Equitable AI Inclusion

Focus Areas: News & Media, Mobilities, Social Services, Health
Status: Active

As generative AI reshapes how people learn, work, communicate, and access services, the challenge will be to know who across the diverse Australian population can navigate AI‑mediated environments safely and confidently—and what forms of support are required to ensure opportunities are shared rather than unevenly distributed.

This is why we are developing a national index that identifies where AI‑related capabilities are emerging, where they are constrained, and where targeted investment will have the greatest impact.

The Critical AI Capabilities Index (CAIC Index) will be the first indicator designed to capture what it means to be AI capable: able to critically navigate the risks and opportunities presented by emerging generative AI systems and tools.

It measures both internal capabilities—such as knowledge, competence, confidence, and discernment—and external enabling conditions such as access, affordability, safeguards, and learning opportunities. This dual focus aligns with digital inclusion and policy agendas concerned with ensuring AI’s benefits are broadly shared.

Two vital components of this work are to: a) establish the connection between indicators of digital inclusion and exclusion and AI use and benefit; and b) understand the opportunities AI tools and systems create in diverse people’s lives, as well as the protective factors needed to mitigate risks and harms.

The CAIC Index extends the ADM+S research on Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII) and Critical Capabilities for Inclusive AI. The result will be a validated, practical instrument that provides government, industry, and community organisations with actionable insight into where critical AI capabilities are emerging and where gaps persist.

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