Quiet AI: how to cut through the noise to make artificial intelligence work in government
Developments in artificial intelligence in the last two years have never been out the headlines – both for government and beyond.
Beyond the hype, governments around the world have been working out how to use artificial intelligence in a way that fits with existing processes, and can help public servants become more efficient.
This development of so-called ‘pragmatic AI’ is happening at national, regional and local governments around the world, and this Global Government Forum webinar, in partnership with knowledge partner Unit 4, provided practical and implementable insight on how to AI can be deployed on processes and back office functions.
Join this session to find out:
- Where – and how – AI can be used in government to streamline administrative and back office services in areas like procurement, payments, payroll, and reporting.
- How pragmatic AI integration can reduce task completion times and enhance data accuracy within existing government processes, and amplify the efforts of public servants.
- How organisations should account for the development of AI in their medium-term planning, and how they can work to keep their technology up to date.
Panel
Veiko Aunapuu, Kratt Services AI Product Manager, Department of Digital State Development, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, Estonia
Veiko Aunapuu is the Product Manager for AI (Kratt) Services in the Department of Digital State Development in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications in Estonia.
He helps public sector institutions find Machine Learning solutions to their problems (when they can be found). This involves building new custom solutions as well as using existing ML software solutions. Veiko has been in this role for little more than a year.
Before this he co-founded a startup that dealt with motivation and gamification. All together, he has 10 years of experience working in different IT roles in the private sector. From software tester to managing projects and teams, to managing products and everything in between.
Eduardo Ulises Moya Sanchez, Director of Artificial Intelligence, Jalisco State Government, Mexico
Ulises Moya is the Director of Artificial Intelligence at the General Coordination of Innovation in the State of Jalisco, Mexico. Being the first director of this area in the public administration in Mexico. Some of his projects were selected by GPAI (2020) and Global UNESCO IRCAI (TOP-10) due to their responsible and ethical design. He holds a Ph.D. from CINVESTAV, a master’s degree in Medical Physics from UNAM, and a Bachelor’s in Physicist from the University of Guadalajara. He is a member of the National System of Researchers of CONACYT level 1. In 2019, he was recognized with the Fulbright García-Robles grant to collaborate with the Quantitative Bioimaging Laboratory at the University of Texas in Dallas and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He also collaborated in deep learning research and applications at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center at the high-performance artificial intelligence group.
Carolyne Thomson, Senior AI Policy Officer, Scottish Government
With over 20 years of experience working in the Scottish public sector my role as senior AI Policy Officer in the Scottish Government allows me to bring together my passions for IT, innovation and the delivery of high quality public services.
As a member of the Scottish AI Alliance, a partnership between the Scottish Government and the Data Lab within Edinburgh University, I currently have responsibility for delivering the Scottish AI Register, a tool designed to ensure that Scottish public sector AI use is open and transparent for all our citizens. When not building my robot army I am usually crocheting or watching the famous Heart of Midlothian Football Club.
Dr Giorleny (“Gio”) Altamirano Rayo, Chief Data Scientist & Responsible AI Official, Center for Analytics, U.S. Department of State, United States
With a distinguished career spanning 15 years, Dr. Giorleny Altamirano Rayo is renowned for her contributions in public service, encompassing roles in the federal government and academia. In June 2023, she embarked on a pivotal role at the Department of State’s Office of Management Strategy and Solutions, Center for Analytics. As the Chief Data Scientist and Responsible AI Official, Dr. Altamirano Rayo spearheads initiatives in artificial intelligence and data science, guiding the Department in these critical domains.
Before her current tenure at the State Department, Dr. Altamirano Rayo dedicated five years to the Department of Labor. There, she significantly impacted the field as the Senior Mathematical Statistician at the Chief Evaluation Office. Her work focused on democratizing reliable statistical and AI/Machine Learning methodologies, along with leading advancements in behavioral economics and human-centered design to support the Department’s diverse sub-agencies and regional offices.
Dr. Altamirano Rayo’s eclectic background also includes a diplomatic tenure at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nicaragua and a dynamic academic career in the U.S. as an applied researcher.
Her academic achievements are equally impressive. Dr. Altamirano Rayo holds a JD from the American University in Nicaragua, a Master’s degree from Vanderbilt University—earned through the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship—and a Doctorate in Political Science from the University of Texas-Austin. Her postdoctoral journey includes a fellowship from Carnegie Mellon University, and she is a celebrated National Science Foundation Scholar.
In her role, Dr. Altamirano Rayo continues to leverage her extensive experience and academic background to drive forward-looking policies and practices in data science and AI, contributing to the strategic vision of the U.S. Department of State.
Bryce Wolf, Director of Strategic Growth, Unit4
Bryce Wolf, Director of Strategic Growth at Unit4, is a visionary leader who bridges the gap between technology and impactful change. With a deep understanding of how innovative tech solutions can drive organizational growth, Bryce specializes in crafting strategies that empower organizations to amplify their missions. His work is centered on leveraging technology to not only meet but exceed stakeholder expectations, creating sustainable, long-term value.
Bryce will share insights on how public sector organizations can harness the power of technology, using AI to transform operations, engage communities, and achieve greater efficiency.
Webinar chair: Richard Johnstone, Executive Editor, Global Government Forum
Richard Johnstone is the executive editor of Global Government Forum, where he helps to produce editorial analysis and insight for the title’s audience of public servants around the world. Before joining GGF, he spent nearly five years at UK-based title Civil Service World, latterly as acting editor, and has worked in public policy journalism throughout his career.
