In response to the growing need for responsible artificial intelligence (AI) implementation, a new framework called the AI Impact Navigator has been introduced by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources to help organisations assess and report on their AI systems’ actual impact. Unlike existing frameworks that focus primarily on internal governance, this tool provides companies with a comprehensive approach to measuring and communicating the real-world social, environmental, and economic outcomes of their AI deployments.
The Navigator operates on a continuous improvement cycle called Plan, Act, Adapt. This cycle is then structured around four key dimensions:
- social licence and corporate transparency
- workforce and productivity
- effective AI and community impact, and
- customer experience and consumer rights.
This holistic approach enables organisations to move beyond internal metrics toward meaningful public reporting on AI outcomes.
Designed for CEOs, executives, board directors, and AI implementation leaders, the framework aligns with the Australian Government’s Voluntary AI Safety Standard. It provides practical tools and templates, including a detailed survey, implementation plan, and impact story framework, to guide organisations through the assessment process.
The Plan phase helps organisations establish the groundwork by forming cross-organisational teams and assessing their readiness for public AI impact reporting. The Act phase involves developing and implementing clear goals and measures across the four dimensions. Finally, the Adapt phase focuses on sharing impact stories and learnings with stakeholders and the broader community.
What sets the AI Impact Navigator apart is its emphasis on building trust through transparency and accountability. By providing a shared vocabulary for discussing AI impacts, organisations can better communicate with their stakeholders and demonstrate their commitment to responsible AI deployment.
For a full reading of the framework, see here.
