AI to Automate Stormont Tasks

A draft strategy from Stormont suggests the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the public sector to automate routine administrative duties. Key areas identified for this transformation include document processing, data entry, and basic query handling, aiming to enhance efficiency.

The proposed changes indicate a shift in how civil servants operate, with the goal of freeing them for more complex human interactions. The strategy emphasizes rolling out basic technologies as a priority to streamline office tasks and potentially speed up public consultations.

Furthermore, the draft highlights AI's potential in accelerating planning application processes and analyzing large datasets to inform policy decisions. It advises a phased approach, breaking down large-scale transformation into manageable projects with a focus on value and impact, coupled with staff training and opportunities for experimentation.

The strategy also foresees the creation of new roles, such as 'human oversight teams' within departments, comprising individuals with technical expertise and critical thinking skills. A core principle is adopting a 'smart second-mover' strategy, which involves adapting successful, existing AI technologies rather than developing bespoke solutions from scratch.