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Model

Model

D1

An AI model is a core component that uses inputs to make inferences and produce outputs.

Review status: 2027-02-23

Technical explanation

As a core system component, a model is used to make inferences from inputs to produce outputs.

Conceptual boundaries

A model is a component, while an AI system also includes its operational context and other components; it is not automatically a faithful representation of the real world.

Provider-neutral example

A demand-forecasting model can turn recent sales and calendar inputs into a predicted quantity for a planner to inspect.

Limitations

A model’s usefulness depends on its intended use and validation; a model can be inaccurate for a real-world setting.

Related concepts

Atomic claims and evidence

  1. 1.1OECD, Explanatory Memorandum on the Updated OECD Definition of an AI System
    Source
    OECD, Explanatory Memorandum on the Updated OECD Definition of an AI System
    Source role
    Authoritative source
    Exact locator
    Building AI systems and models, AI model paragraph, p. 7
    Supported claim
    An AI model is a core component of an AI system used to make inferences from inputs to produce outputs.
    Last verification
    Review due
    Scope limitation
    This usage is specific to the OECD explanatory framing and does not make a model a complete AI system.
  2. 2.1NIST SP 1500-18r2, NIST Research Data Framework Version 2.0
    Source
    NIST SP 1500-18r2, NIST Research Data Framework Version 2.0
    Source role
    Authoritative source
    Exact locator
    Process/Analyze: Validation and verification, p. 23
    Supported claim
    Model validation determines the degree to which a model accurately represents the real world from the perspective of intended uses.
    Last verification
    Review due
    Scope limitation
    Validation is use-dependent and does not establish accuracy for every context.