Government innovation through artificial intelligence: A driving force for progress, provided the right approach is taken!
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, governments worldwide are increasingly leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness to user needs. This shift is not only limited to the private sector but is also transforming the functioning of the machinery of government and the delivery of public services.
The quest for accountability within governments is a critical aspect of this transformation. Actors in the accountability ecosystem, such as ombudspersons, national auditing institutions, internal auditors, policy-making bodies, and line agencies designing and implementing AI systems, play a pivotal role in ensuring transparency and fairness.
Numerous nations have already embarked on this journey, with more than 60 countries having developed a national AI strategy. For instance, Canada's Directive on Automated Decision Making requires agencies using any system that may yield automated decisions to complete an Algorithmic Impact Assessment. Similarly, the government of the Netherlands has developed the Fundamental Rights and Algorithms Impact Assessment tool.
The European Union's AI Act, currently under discussion, is another significant initiative aimed at ensuring algorithmic accountability. In the United States, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued "Artificial Intelligence: An Accountability Framework for Federal Agencies and Other Entities". The Netherlands Court of Auditors (NCA) has also developed an audit framework for assessing whether algorithms meet quality criteria.
Collaboration is another key element in this endeavour. Governments are seeking opportunities to collaborate with others interested in promoting algorithmic accountability. For example, the TechFAR Handbook in the United States highlights flexibilities in the country's procurement regulations that allow agencies to work with start-ups and conduct iterative, user-driven service development.
The conference "Artificial Intelligence: What's in it for the Public Sector?" organised by the European Commission, the Interoperability Unit of DG DIGIT, and the Joint Research Centre, brought together policymakers and experts to discuss these opportunities and the challenges associated with AI in the public sector.
Spain is also setting up an independent Artificial Intelligence Supervision Agency, while Chile's Public Procurement Innovation Directive helps public servants leverage more innovative approaches to public procurement. Finland's Elements of AI free and open course helps both citizens and public servants gain a solid understanding of AI.
The UK, on the other hand, is a leading example of a nation with a comprehensive national strategy on AI, covering dimensions of people, processes, data, and technology to catalyse AI efforts, including in the public sector. The UK has also issued one of the world's first national algorithmic transparency standards.
Leveraging AI as a tool for better policies, services, and decisions requires governments to think strategically, get the balance right between opportunities and risks, and think outside the public sector box to innovate and collaborate with new players. The work on AI in the public sector, led by Carlos Santiso, is being continued by his new team at the AI Policy Observatory, which released pioneering reports on AI in the public sector in 2019.
The current debate on AI tends to focus on its potential for the digital economy, the importance of regulation that is fit-for-purpose, and the role of governments as regulators. However, it is essential for governments to have a strategy in place for AI specifically designed for and adapted to the public sector to ensure efforts are scalable. The key "three Ps" - People, partnerships, and procurement - are fundamental for governments in their pursuit of AI.
Our website is exploring work on promoting collaboration among ecosystem actors in pursuit of algorithmic accountability. Colombia's strategy for AI in the public sector is a great example of an actionable strategy driven from the very center of government.
The blog was originally published on the Observatory of Public Sector Innovation (OPSI) blog. The conference took place in Brussels on 22 June. This article provides a snapshot of the global efforts to harness the power of AI for a more efficient public sector, while ensuring accountability and transparency.
