New AIPEX Publication – Question Zero: Why Responsible AI Begins Before AI Adoption
Tatjana Titareva (AI Policy Lab, Umeå University), Jason Tucker (Institute for Futures Studies & AI Policy Lab, Umeå University), Rachele Carli (AI Policy Lab, Umeå University), Viktoriia Movchan (AI Policy Lab, Umeå University), Virginia Dignum (AI Policy Lab, Umeå University)
Abstract
The Question Zero (Q0) Self-Assessment Tool for Responsible AI, developed by the AI Policy Lab at Umeå University, supports organisations in posing foundational questions before adopting AI. Grounded in the concept of Question Zero: “Under what conditions should an AI system be adopted, if at all?”, the tool offers support for cross-functional team discussions covering motivation, stakeholder mapping, system type, adoption process and infrastructure. It is designed for public institutions, civil society organisations, policymakers and other actors looking for responsible AI decision-making approaches. With the help of the tool, we argue that purposeful, problem-led assessment must precede any procurement and deployment decisions.
Keywords: Question Zero, Q0, Responsible AI, AI Self-Assessment, AI Governance, EU AI First Strategy, AI Policy, AI Adoption Motivation, Stakeholder Mapping, Explainability, AI Policy Lab, Umeå University
The Problem with Starting from the Answer
Public and private organisations face growing pressure to adopt artificial intelligence (AI). Governments across the EU and beyond are committing vast public resources to AI acceleration. Organisations, large and small, feel urged to integrate AI into their operations for fear of being perceived as falling behind. The European Commission’s Apply AI Strategy (European Commission, 2025) has formalised this pressure into policy direction, framing AI as the default first response to organisational and societal challenges. The same trend can be seen at a national level, as well as across sectors and organisations.
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