Superintelligence.. A New Test for Technological Capabilities
Amman4 min read
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The growing acceleration in artificial intelligence technologies is opening the door to transformations that may reshape the economy, security, and the labor market, with increasing talk about the possibility of reaching superintelligence, which may exceed human capabilities in multiple fields. While this level remains an uncertain future prospect, the importance of preparing for it emerges through developing digital infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity, and qualifying competencies.
In an interview with Alrai, academic, consultant, and expert in information security and artificial intelligence Dr. Amran Salem, and digital transformation and artificial intelligence consultant Eng. Bilal Al-Hafnawi, emphasized that keeping pace with these transformations requires well-thought-out investments and flexible national strategies, especially with the move to prepare a new Jordanian strategy for artificial intelligence for the period 2027–2032.
From Artificial Intelligence to Superintelligence.. A Leap with an Unknown Timeline
Salem said that developing more advanced systems requires specialized processors, equipped data centers, high-speed communication networks, and high-quality data, in addition to stable energy supplies and advanced cooling systems.
He explained that computing power, data, and energy are essential factors, but they are not sufficient on their own to achieve progress; as results also depend on the efficiency of algorithms and methods of reasoning and learning. Furthermore, data quality is no less important than its volume, because biased or inaccurate data may lead to misleading results.
He added that countries can achieve value from artificial intelligence without the need to train the largest global models from scratch, by adapting available models, developing specialized solutions, and leveraging cloud computing to meet their local needs.
Al-Hafnawi explained that the difference between current artificial intelligence and superintelligence lies in the breadth of capabilities and the ability for generalization and autonomy, noting that reaching the super level may require scientific breakthroughs in logical reasoning and understanding causal relationships, rather than just increasing data and computing power.
He added that self-improvement of systems may accelerate their development if it becomes possible on a large scale, but it remains an uncertain prospect, in light of challenges related to energy, data, and the difficulty of ensuring the alignment of system goals with human interests and values.
Artificial Intelligence is a Double-Edged Sword in Cyberspace
Salem said that artificial intelligence provides opportunities to enhance digital defense by detecting unusual behavior, analyzing threats, and accelerating incident response, but it may also help attackers produce more convincing phishing messages, generate fake content, and accelerate certain stages of cyberattacks.
He emphasized that mitigating these risks requires protecting data and models, controlling access permissions, conducting specialized security tests, and monitoring system performance, while maintaining human oversight in sensitive decisions.
Al-Hafnawi warned that the realization of superintelligence might reshape the labor market, with automation extending to analytical and cognitive jobs, in exchange for opportunities to increase productivity and accelerate innovation. The gap between countries capable of developing technology and those dependent on importing it may widen.
Jordan and Superintelligence.. Preparation Starts with Infrastructure
Salem believed that Jordan possesses a foundation that can be built upon, including academic institutions, technical competencies, and digital services, in addition to the Jordanian Artificial Intelligence Strategy and its executive plan for the period 2023–2027. However, he emphasized that assessing readiness requires measuring actual achievements and the availability of computing, data, funding, and specialized expertise.
He called for developing a national computing infrastructure that serves universities, researchers, and companies, organizing and making data available securely, qualifying specialists in smart systems security and governance, and supporting local applications in the fields of Arabic language, health, energy, and cybersecurity.
Al-Hafnawi stressed the importance of enhancing digital sovereignty, developing a reliable data exchange structure, supporting local solutions, and updating education to focus on critical thinking and multidisciplinary skills, in addition to establishing flexible legislation that balances innovation and safety.
A Five-Year Plan is Not Enough.. Annual Review is a Technological Necessity
With the move towards preparing a new strategy for the period 2027–2032, the importance of reviewing it annually and updating its priorities according to global developments emerges, rather than waiting until the end of its term. Rapid technical change may make some goals in need of adjustment within a short period, which calls for clear indicators to measure progress and flexible mechanisms to respond to developments.
While there is no confirmed date for the emergence of superintelligence, preparing for it does not mean assuming it will happen, but rather building a national capacity to adapt to different possibilities. The challenge for Jordan lies in employing technology safely and efficiently, protecting its data and institutions, and transforming them into sustainable economic and cognitive value.
