November 2, 2026, 9:01 am
Like many middle powers, Australia wants to maximise the benefits of AI and minimise its risks. But geopolitical competition, concentration of AI capability and rising safety concerns are all making the landscape far harder to navigate.
Australians, meanwhile, are early adopters of the technologies but increasingly pushing back on the breakneck pace of AI development.
This presentation is about writing Australia’s story in the AI future. It discusses what advantages Australia can leverage, where we have purchase on the AI supply chain, and what role we can play globally. Because if we are not careful, Australia’s story could be one of missed opportunities.
Speaker: Olivia Shen – Director, Strategic Technologies of United States Studies Centre
Olivia Shen is Director of the Strategic Technologies Program with the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. Her program explores the intersection of technology, geopolitics and national security.
Olivia previously led data science and AI strategy at the Australian Department of Home Affairs and she has over a decade of experience in national security and foreign policy. She was also a former Director at the National Security College, Australian National University.
In 2019, Olivia was a Fulbright Scholar with the Center for Strategic and International Studies where her research focused on the ethics of AI in national security. She has also completed research fellowships with the Lowy Institute, the Centre for Governance of AI and the United States Senate.
Content Creator – Australian Institute of International Affairs
