Towards Societal Readiness

The manifesto on preparing civilization for the advent of AI and superintelligence

Manifesto

The Readiness Institute

2025

Executive Summary

This manifesto presents a framework for assessing and enhancing societal readiness for advanced artificial intelligence and potential superintelligence. It outlines the challenges of exponential AI growth against linear societal adaptation and proposes structured approaches to bridge this gap.

The Societal Readiness Index (SRI) introduced here provides a quantifiable metric for measuring preparedness across governance, technical literacy, ethical frameworks, infrastructure, and social adaptation dimensions.

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Introduction

As artificial intelligence capabilities advance at an exponential rate, societies worldwide face unprecedented challenges in adaptation and governance. The gap between technological development and societal readiness threatens to create instability, inequality, and potential existential risks.

This manifesto introduces a comprehensive framework for assessing and enhancing societal readiness for advanced AI systems, with particular focus on the potential emergence of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and superintelligence.

The Readiness Gap

Current data indicates significant disparities in AI readiness across different sectors and regions:

85% of CEOs anticipate AI disruption within 3 years, but only 23% have comprehensive adaptation strategies
60+ nations are drafting AI regulations, but most lack comprehensive governance frameworks
76% of citizens want a voice in AI governance, but only 12% report meaningful opportunities for participation
Technical AI literacy among policymakers remains below 30% in most countries

These statistics highlight the urgent need for structured approaches to enhance readiness across all sectors of society.

The Societal Readiness Index (SRI)

The SRI provides a quantifiable framework for measuring and enhancing society's preparedness for AI integration across five key dimensions:

Governance Readiness

Assesses the maturity of regulatory frameworks, institutional capacity, and policy mechanisms for AI oversight and direction.

Technical Literacy

Measures understanding of AI capabilities, limitations, and implications among decision-makers, educators, and the general public.

Ethical Frameworks

Evaluates the development and implementation of ethical guidelines, value alignment mechanisms, and moral considerations in AI systems.

Infrastructure

Assesses technical infrastructure, data governance systems, and security measures necessary for responsible AI deployment.

Social Adaptation

Measures societal resilience, educational systems, workforce transition capabilities, and public engagement mechanisms.

Conclusion

The path toward societal readiness for advanced AI requires coordinated effort across all sectors of society. The SRI framework provides a structured approach to assessment and improvement, enabling targeted interventions where they are most needed.

By addressing readiness proactively rather than reactively, we can help ensure that AI development proceeds in a manner that is beneficial, safe, and aligned with human values and flourishing.

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