what is the main reason ai governance and development must take a sociotechnical approach?

The main reason AI governance and development must take a sociotechnical approach is that AI systems are inherently sociotechnical in nature, meaning they are deeply influenced and shaped by social structures, norms, power dynamics, and human behavior. Purely technical assessments are insufficient because real-world AI systems exist within and interact with larger social institutions and cultural contexts. The sociotechnical approach recognizes that the outcomes of AI systems result from both technical design and broader societal forces, allowing for addressing issues of fairness, accountability, and ethical use in a more comprehensive and effective manner. This approach helps reveal discrimination, advance accountability, and ensure AI technologies are responsive to user needs and social contexts, making it essential for responsible and equitable AI governance and development.