Through the partnership, Accenture will use the university’s expertise in fields including behavioural economics and psychology to develop new research on AI technology and how its applications can more closely align to human thought and behaviour.

Joint research through the agreement will include studying the effects of organisational leadership approaches on the performance and wellbeing of workers in the age of generative AI.

Other research projects will include: applying AI to nudge theory; applying risk management strategies to AI system design; and conducting data simulations by having multiple AI agents competing, with the aim of helping researchers to better understand users’ needs.

The organisations want to develop a what they call ‘a new generation of AI leaders', with skills in research-based and business applications of AI, by bringing together AI specialists from Accenture and Kyoto University, including in Accenture’s client-focused projects. The two are also seeking to develop responsible AI standards and governance through the agreement.

The partnership will use the newly established Accenture Center for Advanced AI Kyoto and Kyoto University’s physical campus, and a digital environment for AI co-creation.

Takashi Hikihara, executive vice-president for information infrastructure and library management, Kyoto University, said: “In society, people engage in activities involving predictions and verifications, and there is ongoing debate about AI’s ability to replace these tasks. It is important to consider this from the perspectives of science, technology, humanities, and social sciences.

“Kyoto University has been deepening research in the humanities and social sciences based on data. It is necessary to conduct evidence-based verification on whether AI can provide fair and responsible solutions. The agreement with Accenture aims to accelerate this research and foster talent in the AI field.”

Gakuse Hoshina, senior managing director and AI center lead, Accenture, said: “To make AI more familiar to humans and create more meaningful interactions, it is essential to deeply understand the essence of human thought and behaviour. We will explore the integration of diverse human-related studies conducted by Kyoto University researchers into Accenture’s AI development. We will support incorporating generative AI into all value chains of companies and organisations for data-driven management.”