Why a Matrix Approach?
Most AI ethics curricula address either technical skills or ethical theory in isolation. The 6×6 Framework integrates both dimensions simultaneously, recognising that responsible AI practice requires professionals to apply ethical reasoning within their specific functional context — not as an afterthought.
The Six Ethical Pillars
The framework is anchored by six pillars derived from international AI governance standards, including the EU AI Act, UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, and the OECD AI Principles: (1) Transparency & Explainability, (2) Fairness & Non-discrimination, (3) Accountability & Governance, (4) Privacy & Data Protection, (5) Safety & Robustness, and (6) Sustainability & Societal Impact.
The Six Skill Domains
Each pillar is assessed across six professional skill domains that represent the full spectrum of roles engaging with AI systems: (1) Strategic Leadership, (2) Technical Development, (3) Legal & Compliance, (4) Product & Design, (5) Operations & Deployment, and (6) Research & Policy.
36 Learning Intersections
The matrix creates 36 distinct intersections — each representing a concrete competence that professionals in a given role must demonstrate. For example, a product designer (Skill Domain 4) working in a healthcare context must demonstrate competence at the Privacy & Data Protection pillar (Pillar 4), resulting in intersection 4×4: 'Embedding privacy-preserving UX patterns in AI-driven interfaces.'
Certification Tracks
The 6×6 Framework underpins all four Nextantro certification tracks: CAIF (Foundation) covers the full matrix at introductory depth; CAIP (Practitioner), CAIE (Engineer), and CAIM (Manager) go deeper within their respective skill-domain columns.
Open-Source Commitment
The framework schema is published under a Creative Commons licence. Educators, institutions, and policy bodies are invited to adapt it — provided attribution is maintained and derivative works are shared under equivalent terms.