The number of applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in public services is growing and municipalities are leading the way. This is according to a recent report by TNO commissioned by the Dutch AI Coalition (NLAIC).
The researchers found 266 AI applications in public services in the first half of 2024, more than 60% more than in 2021. Of these applications, 105 (39%) were found in municipalities and 46 (17%) in partnerships. In central government, 5 applications (1.9%) were found. Of all applications, 102 (38%) have been implemented, 95 (35%) are experimental. Other applications are still in the preparatory phase, have been terminated or their status is unknown.
Of the total, the largest number of applications (60) fell into the category of 'knowledge processing, archiving and anonymization.' From 'Inspection and enforcement,' 54 examples were found and from process optimization 31 examples. The domains with the most AI applications are Organization and Operations, Transportation and Mobility and Public Order and Safety.
Generative AI plays a role in 8 applications. However, according to the researchers, these are not new applications; they are mainly improved applications of text recognition. In the social domain, no new applications of AI were found in this study. Over 43% of the examples found are also in the government algorithm registry.
The report highlights several examples, such as a tool that uses an algorithm to anonymize confidential data in documents before they are published. The registration system at Scheveningen harbor and a tool that helps fisheries inspectors identify illegal traps are also explained. A number of ministries are working with an AI assistant that helps answer parliamentary questions and the municipality of Goes is working with chatbot Guus 2.0.
VNG has set up a special community for AI and algorithms, specifically for municipal employees. Here they work together and share knowledge about regulations and policy on AI, practical tools for setting up AI governance, and practical examples of municipalities that use AI responsibly for social tasks. Attention is also paid to responsible procurement and supplier management. This community is part of the VNG Knowledge Network Data and Society.
