Context

The European Union aims at becoming a strategic leader in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the public sector. This intention is clearly stated in the 2021 Review of the Coordinated Plan on Artificial Intelligence, where the European Commission specifically propose to ‘make the public sector a trailblazer for using AI’.
AI has the potential to be an extremely useful - or even disruptive - technology for the modernisation of the public sector itself. In fact, AI might become a strong enabler for seeking efficiency and effectiveness in the management and delivery of public services.
For example, it has the potential to
- automate simple and repetitive cognitive activities freeing-up labour time for more high-value activities or
- augment the predictive capabilities, enhancing data-driven decision-making or finally
- support user-centric service personalisation, increasing the effectiveness of public service delivery.
Approach
AI Watch carries out research to gather the evidence of the potential of AI for the public sector in different areas such as monitoring and control, resource planning, data validation, document digitalisation, law enforcement and service provision and delivery. We also study the challenges of the AI adoption, being them organisational, technical, financial, or cultural.
Our research is carried out through desk research, surveys, interviews and use case analysis and it is enriched and validated thanks to a series of peer-learning workshops with public servants and other relevant stakeholders.
Publication

AI Watch. European landscape on the use of Artificial Intelligence by the Public Sector
Second landscaping study presenting the results of the mapping of the use of AI in public services in Europe

AI Watch. National strategies on Artificial Intelligence: A European perspective. 2022 edition
An in-depth comparative analysis of the AI national strategies, structured along the categories and priorities agreed between EC and Member States in the 2021 review of the Coordinated Plan on AI.

AI Watch, road to the adoption of Artificial Intelligence by the public sector
A handbook for policymakers, public administrations and relevant stakeholders
Peer Learning Workshop on the use and impact of AI in public services
This report presents a summary of the proceedings of the workshop of the 4th AI Watch Peer Learning Workshop on AI use & impact in public services.

AI Watch. Beyond pilots: sustainable implementation of AI in public services
This report introduces the concept of AI appropriation in government, seen as two distinct phases; adoption and implementation of related technologies in public services and processes. Then, it analyses the situation of AI governance in the US and Cand contrasts it to the emerging European model.

AI Watch. Artificial Intelligence for the public sector. Report of the “3rd Peer Learning Workshop on the use and impact of AI in public services”
Workshop report of the “3rd Peer Learning Workshop on the use and impact of AI in public services”, 24 June 2021
News

Beyond pilots: sustainable implementation of AI in public services - AI Watch report
The report "Beyond pilots: Sustainable implementation of AI in public services" is part of AI Watch activities towards the investigation of the effective AI uptake in the public sector.

Survey on Artificial Intelligence use in the public sector
This survey on the use of AI in the public sector is part of this larger initiative and the information gathered it will help us prepare a roadmap in support of the use of Artificial Intelligence by Public Administrations in Europe.