Agenda

Led by Dr Victor (Vik) Perez (Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China), the session explores how human-centred AI requires greater attention to the cognitive conditions that enable learners and entrepreneurs to think, learn and make effective decisions in increasingly AI-mediated environments.

As artificial intelligence becomes embedded across education, entrepreneurship and the digital economy, global discussions have largely focused on technological capabilities. The session presents an emerging conceptual perspective that argues successful human-centred AI depends not only on technological capabilities, but also on the cognitive conditions that enable people to think, learn, decide and act effectively in AI-rich environments. It proposes that the cognitive conditions created by AI systems will increasingly shape how effectively individuals, organisations and societies benefit from digital transformation. Cognitive readiness is presented as a key operational dimension of this broader framework.

At the core of the programme is the presentation, Human-Centred AI and Cognitive Readiness: Preparing Learners and Entrepreneurs for the Next Digital Economy, which introduces an emerging conceptual framework connecting AI, human cognition and digital capacity building. The framework is illustrated through applied initiatives demonstrating how cognitive conditions can be intentionally designed to strengthen human agency in AI-rich environments. The discussion concludes by examining implications for education, entrepreneurship and public policy, encouraging dialogue on how future AI strategies can strengthen human capabilities alongside technological innovation.

Aligned with the WSIS vision of fostering people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented information societies, the session encourages collaboration among educators, policymakers, researchers and industry to advance more resilient, human-centred digital futures.