Ethics-based auditing (EBA) is a structured process whereby an entity's past or present behaviour is assessed for consistency with moral principles or norms. Recently, EBA has attracted much attention as a governance mechanism that may bridge the gap between principles and practice in AI ethics. However, important aspects of EBA – such as the feasibility and effectiveness of different auditing procedures – have yet to be substantiated by empirical research. In this article, we address this knowledge gap by providing insights from a longitudinal industry case study. Over 12 months, we observed and analysed the internal activities of AstraZeneca, a biopharmaceutical company, as it prepared for and underwent an ethics-based AI audit.

Ethics-based auditing (EBA) is a structured process whereby an entity's past or present behaviour is assessed for consistency with moral principles or norms. Recently, EBA has attracted much attention as a governance mechanism that may help to bridge the gap between principles and practice in AI ethics. However, important aspects of EBA--such as the feasibility and effectiveness of different auditing procedures--have yet to be substantiated by empirical research. In this article, we address this knowledge gap by providing insights from a longitudinal industry case study. Over 12 months, we observed and analysed the internal activities of AstraZeneca, a biopharmaceutical company, as it prepared for and underwent an ethics-based AI audit.

Artificial intelligence, 3D printing, IOT and blockchain are just some of many emerging technologies that are disrupting financial and logistics systems around the world. Spurred on by an ever-expanding global market, enterprises everywhere are exploring new opportunities through these technologies to improve their internal systems and generate billions of dollars in value for customers and shareholders. The world is experiencing a renaissance period of technological innovation, while still only scratching the surface of its potential. This is because while AI, 3D printing, IOT and blockchain disrupt their way through traditional systems, these technologies are only just beginning to understand each other and converge to spur new hybrid solutions. Industries like aerospace, pharmaceuticals and energy are amongst the first to receive the benefits of this technological convergence, with hybrid solutions that are reinventing the way items are designed, produced, tracked and distributed.