The Unbearable Light(ness) of AI: Bright Promises and Hidden Shadows of Artificial Intelligence

This volume examines one of the defining tensions of our era: how to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence while preserving responsibility, sovereignty, and human judgement.

Bringing together scholars and practitioners, this volume moves beyond hype and alarmism to explore AI across three interconnected levels: global systems, organisational governance, and personal ethics. It addresses digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, sustainability, inclusion, healthcare, education, and accessibility, highlighting both the environmental and social costs of AI and its potential to advance innovation within the Sustainable Development Goals.

Rather than offering easy solutions, the book advocates embracing technological possibility while insisting on transparency, accountability, and public values. At stake is not only how AI functions, but how it reshapes institutions, knowledge, and everyday life.

Balancing lightness with weight, this book invites readers to reflect critically on progress, power, and responsibility in the age of intelligent machines.

Giuliano Pozza is Chief Information Officer at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, one of Europe's leading private universities. With deep experience in IT strategy, governance, and programme management across higher education, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals, he is certified in ISACA CISM and emphasises strong governance for safe and effective AI adoption. He is Past President of AISIS, the Italian Association of Healthcare Information System Professionals, and previously served as CIO at several major hospitals and research institutions. An outdoor enthusiast and avid reader, Giuliano co-leads the AI4ALL Special Interest Group with Bonaria Biancu and John Magnus Kallevik.