Public sector AI main challenges for APAC in regard to deploying AI include: scalability and deployment (38%), change management and organisational culture (36%) and data quality and availability (35%). On this, Australia has recently developed a new Cyber Security Strategy, which — while having a high focus on the cybersecurity landscape — also offers insight into the changes for the digital landscape and data management by 2030. Furthermore, the shortage of skilled abuse and algorithmic bias. Disable models if serious problems occur. 4. Identify operational problems AI can solve: Identify and prioritise potential use cases by their potential value to the organisation, potential impact and feasibility. 5. Establish clear AI ethics principles and policies: Form an ethics review board to oversee AI projects and ensure they align with ethical values. Update policies as needed when new challenges emerge. professionals who can develop and implement AI technologies, and the existing ICT infrastructure, may not be sufficient to support the advanced requirements of AI technologies. There are also ethical risks associated with AI5, such as the potential for bias in AI algorithms. These challenges require complex, effective and efficient strategic regulations to fulfil the vision of AI development, such as regulatory frameworks that clearly set out the requirements and implementation of AI technology. 6. Implement rigorous testing: Thoroughly test generative AI models for errors, bias and safety issues before deployment. Continuously monitor models postlaunch. 7. Increase AI model explainability: Employ techniques like LIME to better understand model behaviour. Make key decisions interpretable. 8. Collaborate across sectors: Partner with academia, industry and civil society to develop best practices. Learn from each other’s experiences. 9. Enhance AI expertise within the government: Hire technical talent, and provide training on AI ethics, governance and risk mitigation. 10. Communicate transparently with the public: Share progress updates and involve citizens in AI policymaking. Build public trust through education on AI. The transformative power of AI technologies, particularly generative AI, has the potential to significantly boost economies and revolutionise industries. As seen in Australia, AI is already being leveraged to streamline administrative processes, improve public services and optimise traditional industries. However, the implementation of AI solutions at scale within the public sector is not without its challenges. These include operational hurdles, data governance, privacy and security concerns, high implementation costs and ethical risks. HARNESSING THE VALUE OF AI TO SERVE CITIZENS As government agencies continue to look to AI to transform operations and citizen services, here are some suggestions on how agencies can optimise the value of AI today while balancing risks and limitations: 1. Start small: Limit access and capabilities initially. Start with narrow, low-risk use cases. Slowly expand capabilities as benefits are proven and risks addressed. 2. Improve dataset quality: Ensure you can trust your data by using only diverse, high-quality training data that represents different demographics and viewpoints. Make sure to audit data regularly. 3. Develop mitigation strategies: Have plans to address issues like harmful content generation, data 18 | GOVTECH REVIEW Q2 2024 To optimise the value of AI while balancing these risks and limitations, it is crucial to consider the building blocks above to harness the full potential of AI to transform operations and citizen services, ultimately driving economic growth and societal advancement. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Department of Industry, Science and Resources 2024, New expert group will help guide the future of safe and responsible AI in Australia, Australian Government, <> Technology Council of Australia 2023, Generative AI could contribute $115 billion annually to Australia’s economy by 2030, <> Mitchell A and Bruce D 2024, Proceed with caution: Three questions for Australian governments to answer as they consider gen AI, McKinsey & Company, <> Tan A 2024, Australia’s cyber security spending to grow 11.5% this year, TechTarget, <> Australian Human Rights Commission 2023, Australia needs to be a world leader in ethical AI, <> *Keir Garrett is Regional VP ANZ at Cloudera. Keir brings more than 20 years of management, strategic consulting and digital transformation experience to Cloudera, and has successfully developed lines of business in global markets and across multiple industries, both directly with customers and in collaboration with the partner ecosystem. Most recently, Keir spent two years at Crayon in the role of Chief Executive Officer and prior to this was Head of Software, Cloud, Advisory, Professional & Managed Services Sales at Datacom. She has also held several senior positions at Microsoft, SAP and Infor. WWW.GOVTECHREVIEW.COM.AU