Artificial intelligence for more efficient and transparent public administration
October 16, 2024
The use of artificial intelligence in all spheres of society is becoming a necessity, and it is essential to identify the most efficient models of use, as well as to map risks and threats, especially in the sphere of public service delivery, ensuring the monitoring of digital trends and continuity of digital transformation.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Montenegro and the Ministry of Public Administration have begun the process of assessing the readiness of Montenegrin state institutions for the application of artificial intelligence. The initiative, supported through the project “E-services and digital infrastructure as a response to COVID19”, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Administration is aimed at assessing the public sector’s capacity to introduce AI technologies, with the support of the AILA tool (AI Landscape Assessment).
At the first workshop held on this occasion, the Ministry of Public Administration emphasized that the use of artificial intelligence is a challenge of the modern age, but also an opportunity for accelerated development of digitalization, improving the efficiency of public services and, most importantly – improving the quality of life of citizens through better and faster public administration services.
“Through the integration of AI technologies in every aspect of reforms, Montenegro will not only accelerate the digitalization process, but will also position itself in the region when it comes to innovations and advanced technologies in the public sector. This is an opportunity to harness the potential of artificial intelligence to improve the quality of public services, increase security, and ensure faster economic development through technological transformation”, said Dušan Polović, General Director of the Directorate for Infrastructure, Information Security, Digitalization and E-services at the Ministry.
This initiative is the first important step towards positioning Montenegro on the global AI map. The AILA tool is used globally and is adaptable to different stages of digital maturity of institutions, enabling them to recognize their current state and plan further development in accordance with sustainable development goals.
“UNDP recognizes the enormous potential of artificial intelligence as a driver of sustainable development. Our approach is based on a human-centered perspective. In other words, the use of artificial intelligence must meet the real needs of people and no one should be left behind. Automation of everyday processes frees up important time for employees to devote to strategic tasks, and the analysis of large amounts of data, which is possible thanks to the use of AI, contributes to better decision-making. These changes not only increase the efficiency of public institutions but also citizens’ trust in their work”, stated on behalf of UNDP Montenegro Dragana Radević, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative.
The assessment of the readiness of state institutions for the application of artificial intelligence will be conducted by the end of 2024 and will result in recommendations and a roadmap for creating a more efficient, transparent, and digitalized public administration, which will have the capacity to keep pace with the dynamics of modern technology development.