Workshop on Question Zero: Beyond the ‘AI First’ Hype

2026-04-01 · Source: AI Policy Lab · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy · Depth: Intermediate, quick

Summary

The AI Policy Lab at Umeå University conducted a workshop on March 12, 2026, introducing "Question Zero" (Q0), a framework designed to guide organizations in critically assessing the adoption of AI systems. Q0 challenges the prevalent "AI First" mentality by prompting users to ask, "Under what conditions should an AI system be adopted, if at all?" rather than immediately focusing on which AI to use. The workshop highlighted the risks of skipping this crucial initial assessment, citing the Dutch childcare benefit scandal where an algorithm caused significant harm. The Q0 assessment tool, developed by the AI Policy Lab, features five categories: Why (Motivation), Who (Stakeholders and inclusion), What (Type of AI system), How (Adoption and governance), and Where (Infrastructure and control), each with specific questions to guide evaluation. Participants applied Q0 to scenarios like emotional music personalization, automated hiring, and workplace analytics.

Key takeaway

For AI Product Managers evaluating new system integrations, your primary focus should be on applying the Question Zero framework before committing to any specific AI solution. This ensures a thorough assessment of necessity, ethical implications, and operational viability, mitigating risks exemplified by past AI failures. Utilize the Q0 tool to systematically question motivations, stakeholder impacts, and governance, thereby shaping accountable AI practices.

Key insights

Prioritize critical assessment of AI adoption conditions over immediate technology selection to prevent harm.

Principles

• Speed is not a strategy for AI adoption.
• Technology is a human endeavor, not destiny.

Method

The Question Zero (Q0) assessment tool guides AI adoption decisions through five categories: Motivation, Stakeholders, AI System Type, Adoption/Governance, and Infrastructure/Control, each with specific evaluative questions.

In practice

• Evaluate AI alternatives, including non-AI solutions.
• Identify all potential stakeholders, risks, and benefits.
• Plan for continuous monitoring of AI system performance.

Topics

• Question Zero (Q0)
• AI Policy Lab
• Ethical AI Adoption
• AI Governance
• Stakeholder Analysis

Best for: Executive, AI Product Manager, Product Manager, AI Ethicist, Policy Maker, Consultant

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by AI Policy Lab.