AI and the changing nature of information work in the public sector
This workshop is a double header!
Session 1: How are generative AI tools changing the way public servants work with information?
Many governments globally are now experimenting with these tools and public servants are increasingly using them in their day-to-day work. This will explore how generative AI tools are beginning to shape everyday government work. The discussion will explore how these tools are being used in practice and what the persistent challenges are to their uptake and use.
The session will involve an introduction to emerging research into AI and policymaking across different international public sector organisations, followed by a facilitated discussion on where AI is currently proving useful in their work, as well as the challenges or barriers participants encounter when trying to support the use of these tools in public sector contexts.
Session 2: AI Colab as a case study - Introduction
This session introduces the rationale and design of a new study, and is an invitation to ongoing dialogue with the AI Colab community as the research progresses.
UNSW's project seeks to understand how participation in the AI Colab influences practices within agencies, and how it has become a focal point for collaboration, capability-building and experimentation.
The study will also look closely at how AI is being integrated into routine tasks and decision-making processes, and how these changes emerge through day-to-day practice. Dr Rahman and colleagues aim to develop a deeper understanding of how change associated with generative AI is occurring across the public sector.
Facilitators:
Chloe Chadwick is a DPhil candidate and Clarendon Scholar at the Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford, researching the use of emerging technologies, including AI, in the public sector, public service reform and state capacity.
Dr Shibaab Rahman is a lecturer at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and is collaborating with the AI Colab on a research project that examines the role AI Colab is playing in shaping how AI adoption is unfolding across government, and wider public sector community.
AI CoLab events are intentionally open and collaborative. For this session we may capture photos to share publicly. This is done in line with the Charter’s values; transparent, ethical innovation and knowledge sharing to accelerate collective learning (see join.aicolab.org). By participating in this event, you agree to being photographed and for those images to be shared in accordance with this policy.