Towards Successful Industrial Policy on AI in Healthcare: Establishing the Conditions for Future Public Benefit

Tucker, Jason & E. Maggor | 2025

AI Policy Lab at Umeå University

Abstract

This paper explores how pro-active government policies could promote artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare for the public good. Building on insights from the literature on industrial policy, we argue that without clear conditions and guardrails to ensure future public benefit, state assistance and subsidies will be nothing more than corporate welfare with unpredictable, if any, societal benefit. We provide a few concrete examples of this and then conclude by reflecting on how industrial policy can be a useful conceptual lens to challenge techno-solutionism, increase accountability and situate AI healthcare policies in the broader political-economy.

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AI Policy Lab at Umeå University

Abstract

This paper explores how pro-active government policies could promote artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare for the public good. Building on insights from the literature on industrial policy, we argue that without clear conditions and guardrails to ensure future public benefit, state assistance and subsidies will be nothing more than corporate welfare with unpredictable, if any, societal benefit. We provide a few concrete examples of this and then conclude by reflecting on how industrial policy can be a useful conceptual lens to challenge techno-solutionism, increase accountability and situate AI healthcare policies in the broader political-economy.

Read more >