Kevin Scott is Microsoft’s chief technology officer, its executive vice president of AI and Research, and the author, with Greg Shaw, of the new book, “Reprogramming the American Dream: From Rural America to Silicon Valley, Making AI Serve Us All."

Scott, who joined Microsoft with its acquisition of LinkedIn, goes back to his roots in rural Virginia in the book, making the case that there is a middle ground between the extreme viewpoints about the future of artificial intelligence -- one in which short-term disruption is followed by long-term benefits of technology augmenting and improving human endeavors.

But first, he says, we must ensure equal access to technology, starting with rural broadband, the importance of which is underscored by the rise of remote work in the COVID-19 crisis.

Scott spoke with us via phone this week about his vision for the future of artificial intelligence and technology, in advance of the book's release on Tuesday, April 7. Scott will also be participating in a live stream with "Hillbilly Elegy" author J.D. Vance, who wrote the forward to the book, at 10 a.m. Pacific on Monday, April 6.