AI in Public and Social Sector
Governments across the world have
to deal with huge amounts of data that are usually managed on papers by humans. The chances
of human error in data management are very high. For efficient and intelligent processing
and handling of data, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an ideal alternative. AI in public
sector helps in more accurate and faster data capturing and processing. AI in public and
social sectors is used for record-keeping, providing services to citizens, policymaking, and
law enforcement, among others. Various enterprises are providing AI solutions to address
issues in sanitation, agriculture, clean drinking water, and various other socially relevant
issues.
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Startups providing AI solutions for public and social sector:
- Blue Sky Analytics is a Gurgaon-based geospatial data intelligence startup with a primary focus on environmental parameters such as air and water. The company provides its users high-frequency and high-resolution data in context with real-time air quality information and air-quality predictions for the next three days. Blue Sky Analytics is a single platform that quantifies and forecasts air pollution information with a bird’s eye view.
- Root AI, based in Boston, is developing robots and artificial intelligence to support farming in order to produce enough food. The company is developing harvesting robots for controlled climates such as glass house and greenhouse farm operations.
- Genetesis, an Ohio-based company, uses sensors, deep learning, and physics to diagnose chest pain. The company has made a test based on biomagnetic imaging system to monitor weak magnetic fields originating from the chest. A 3D map is generated for doctors to examine heart attack in a non-invasive way within 90 seconds.
- Sero.ai is a Vietnam-based startup that uses AI for solving the issues related to erratic crop production. It tracks plant’s health and pest diseases and provides information to farmers. In addition to this, it connects agriculture experts and farmers through the mobile internet to keep them updated about crops and take appropriate steps to improve the yield.
AI in public and social sector can be used to identify early spreading diseases, prevent
cyberattacks, connect citizens to easily access government services, predict crimes, and
suggest optimal presence of police patrol, anticipate public infrastructure failures, and
others. Google AI received 2,602 applications with projects addressing social issues in 119
countries. Out of total applications, approximately 55% non-profit organizations and 44%
for-profit organizations working for social causes had never used AI. This shows the huge
potential for AI in public and social sector.
Initiatives undertaken by various countries to implement AI in public sector
- Canada: In 2017, Canada launched national AI strategy with ‘The Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy’ to enhance AI related research. The Treasury Board has developed the ‘Responsible use of artificial intelligence’, specifically for the public sector, to help government servants explore AI to govern the country by ethics, law, and values.
- Finland: In 2017, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in Finland formed an Artificial Intelligence Programme and a Steering Group to develop a national vision for AI. The goals stated in the programme includes providing best services in public sector to help citizens at all stages of life for a well-functioning society.
- Uruguay: In 2019, AGESIC, the eGovernment agency in President’s Office, published a draft for public consultation of Uruguay’s Roadmap for Data Science and Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Strategy for the Public Administration. The draft includes governance of AI, capabilities of public servants, educating citizens, and efficient use of AI.