In July, it was announced that digital gurus from the public sector will be working with government departments as part of plans to turbocharge the technological skills of civil servants.
Cabinet office minister Jeremy Quin outlined measures that will drive forward the government’s plans to harness innovation and technology to make Whitehall run more smoothly. He set out his ambition for the government to use AI confidently and responsibly to improve public services and boost productivity. As an example of this, i.AI, the unit responsible for exploring Automation and Innovation in government will become a permanent civil service team following a successful trial.
Another example is the Data Marketplace, which will break down barriers to sharing data inside government.
Quin said: “There are brilliant people in our Civil Service but I know there are many, as can be the case in any organisation, that feel frustrated and stifled by bureaucracy.
“Alongside the Cabinet Secretary, I shared with Civil Service colleagues at Civil Service Live that we need every colleague to be calling out waste and inefficiency, determined to end the frustrations I know many share.
“They can do so by more specialisation, more access to outside voices and fresh ideas, staying longer in post, delivering certainty on what we are seeking to achieve and benefitting from crisp evaluation on whether we have, while embracing the digital future which will transform all our working lives.”
AI has the potential within government to transform public administration, improve efficiency, and improve citizen services.
The government could use AI across various domains to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and implement better delivery of services.
Data
One of the most obvious applications of AI, where the most benefit could be found is data analysis and predictive analytics. AI can process and collate large amounts of data from a range of sources, and help the government make informed policy decisions and allocate resources more effectively.
Predictive analytics can be used to identify trends and patterns in areas like public health, crime prevention, and economic forecasting. For example, AI can be used to measure healthcare data to predict outbreaks of disease, and therefore implement preventative measures and proactively allocate medical resources.
In the field of law enforcement, AI can be used to predict crime hotspots, and again help to implement preventative measures and allocate policing resources.
One of the most widely-talked about and implemented uses of AI and data is in traffic and transport management. Smart traffic analysis systems can reduce congestion and collisions by analysing real-time data and adjusting traffic signals accordingly. As well as this, AI can also be used to monitor the condition of critical infrastructure, like bridges and roads, to ensure safety and plan maintenance.
Citizen engagement
AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can be used improve citizen engagement and support services. AI can be used to handle routine inquiries, answer people’s queries quicker and also free up human resources for more complex tasks. With AI, citizens are also able to access information and services 24/7, not just during the regular nine to five, when they are often working themselves. This can lead to increased satisfaction among citizens and reduced administrative burdens on civil service employees.
Budgets and finance
AI can be used to optimise budget allocation. Government departments can use AI to assess spending patterns, identify inefficiencies, and prioritise and redirect funding for critical projects.
As well as this, AI can be used to detect fraud and fund misuse in government purses. AI-driven fraud detection systems can identify irregularities in benefit payments, tax collections, and procurement, and therefore save money and avoid embarrassing headlines.
Disaster management
In disaster management and response, AI can be used to predict natural disasters – in the UK, this could be flooding or extreme snow and ice. This information can be used to evacuate vulnerable areas and allocate resources before the event hits.
During a disaster, AI can help coordinate emergency responses by optimizing resource distribution and providing real-time updates to citizens, emergency services and governments.
Security
AI can be utilised in cybersecurity efforts to protect sensitive data. Central governments handle vast amounts of delicate data. AI can be used to help identify and respond to cyber threats more efficiently and machine learning algorithms can detect anomalies and potential security breaches in real-time, and therefore safeguard critical infrastructure and data. AI may be able to recognise a threat more quickly than a human and can raise the alarm should a threat be detected, so that humans can respond.
However, security is also the most high-risk area of AI use and one that requires the most attention. It is critical that any data stored or processed by AI is properly protected and has systems in place in case a breach occurs. It is important that safeguards are in place to protect citizens’ data and ensure it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
On this note, it is also important that backups are in place should the AI fail. Processes and services still need to work even if the AI doesn’t. AI-run citizen services like chatbots still need to be available and if used for traffic management, there needs to be an alternative so an area doesn’t literally grind to a halt.
AI can certainly help government and the civil service, particularly by utilising data processing and analysis. AI can be used to employ data analytics, improve citizen services, implement cybersecurity, prepare for and respond to disasters, and manage traffic and transport. AI can create a more efficient, responsive, and innovative administration that responds to the evolving and modern needs citizens.
