In a time when unprecedented volumes of public funds are being distributed for COVID relief programmes, the efficiency of public services has never been more important. From fraud and error detection to the prediction of service disruptions, the variety of data held by government agencies means that they are well positioned to use artificial intelligence – which relies on good-quality data as a vital component for success – to address these problems.
These are just some of the examples of how AI is beginning to impact public services. As governments seek to speed up the pace of implementation, we can look forward to increased benefits because of this approach. Governments that form a clear data strategy, complete with AI implementation guidelines and ethical framework, are well placed to realize these gains and increase public trust. In a time of scepticism towards government around the world, AI is an opportunity to redefine what public services can deliver.
Read more from Rachel Kirkham on the World Economic Forum