Artificial intelligence (AI) is the subject of many headlines. Technical systems that integrate AI are seen as having great potential and are expected to and it is assumed that their dissemination will permanently change social and political processes. A frequently described hope is that AI systems will be deployed in ways that serve a collective societal good. This study adds a concrete empirical examination to this vision of a common good-oriented technology development. The study focuses on how the common good is defined and how, consequently, an orientation towards the common good can succeed with the help of technologies and in the process of technology development. Based on qualitative expert interviews and case studies, this study approaches the field of public good-oriented AI development, which as such is only just emerging. This study is based on the variety of different practical perspectives and expert voices that are heard in many places. These experts answer from their own experiences which potentials, risks, challenges and needs they recognize for the emergence and use of public good-oriented AI. The polyphony of this study reflects the core of its subject: the common good is always developed discursively and refuses universal and conclusive definitions. At the same time, this study is able to show great consensus regarding the experts' ideas of which requirements and preconditions are decisive for the development of AI systems that are intended to serve the common good. For example, it is clear that problem-centeredness, participation, openness, and sustainability, among others, are important prerequisites for public good-oriented technology development. The study provides an overview of the emerging field and presents which beliefs, experiences, but also challenges connect this field in order to ultimately crystallize central problems and needs and to identify possible solutions. In particular, the study expresses the diversity of projects and actors as well as their experiences and views.
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