The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) hosted a panel discussion on the Harvard Business School Online Community ahead of Connex 2024. The discussion covered how countries are governing with AI: challenges and opportunities. She was moderated by Barbara-Chiara Ubaldi, OECD Head of Digital Government and Data and Deputy Head of Government for Open Innovation, and was attended by:
- Giorleny Altamirano Rayo, Chief Data Scientist and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Officer at the U.S. Department of State (Department of State).
- Chris Fechner, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Transformation Agency (DTA);
This session highlighted how to develop the capabilities needed to maximize the societal benefits of AI while minimizing the risks associated with these solutions.
AI protection
Our chat began with best practices for ensuring consistent and responsible use of AI in line with public sector agencies' core values. Fundamentally, we need to develop consistent, robust and practical ethical principles and processes that govern the use of AI solutions across the public sector.
Fechner added: “This means setting an example of high standards and assurance frameworks, based on international best practices and societal expectations, tested through pilots and use cases.” Ta.
skill up
We then moved on to analyze how governments are ensuring they have the right skills and capabilities to support the responsible use of AI. From a DTA perspective, Australia has a healthy relationship with technology and a culture of early adoption.
“We have a long history of AI here[in Australia]utilizing traditional machine learning and deep learning neural networks. This naturally encourages staff to develop highly specialized skills across these application areas. I meant it,” Fechner said.
“However, generative AI is reaching more and more people without such deep knowledge. We must take immediate action to deliver.”
human element
Towards the end of the discussion, we aimed to understand key concerns in terms of human determination, fairness, and non-discrimination.
“Governments are in a unique position where everything they do needs to increase the well-being of society,” Fechner explains.
“All government services should be organized around the people and should be inclusive, simple and secure. As such, all our decisions regarding digital investments, including the incorporation of AI solutions, are constrained by that goal. .”
move the needle
To conclude the session, panellists considered what civil servants and public services can do to persuade political leaders to invest in AΙ solutions for service delivery.
A major influence is the rise of generative AI that has captured the world's imagination and created a sense of urgency in governments based on both excitement and fear.
“Australia is working to capitalize on the AI hype and find high-value, low-risk applications across government,” Fechner said. “This needs to be done in a fully transparent and responsible manner. This is not about convincing leaders, but rather managing their high expectations.”
DTA has previously outlined the importance of Australian public services exploring opportunities to enhance digital government solutions. Governments should lead by example in transparency, risk management, and governance of emerging technologies such as generative AI.
