The role of AI is growing rapidly, and it is having an ever-greater impact on our society. The government plays a role in this in three ways. As a legislator, it sets the framework for the development and use of AI. As a funder of innovation, it uses subsidies and investments to steer the development of technology in the Netherlands. And as the first major customer (launching customer), it procures digital and AI solutions on a large scale itself, which has a direct impact on the market. 

AI in the Public Sector 

Governments are actively experimenting with AI to address social issues and improve public services. Examples include supporting employees in objection and appeal processes, identifying patterns in satellite and sensor data, and detecting changes in land use. Successful applications are sparking interest among other government organizations. However, this interest does not automatically lead to widespread adoption; organizations often launch their own pilot projects, effectively reinventing the wheel, while smaller governments lack the knowledge and resources to adopt proven solutions. 

Vision 

A government that knows what it wants the digital market to look like—and aligns its regulations, subsidies, and procurement accordingly—has enormous influence. If that alignment also takes place at the European level, it creates significant purchasing power, regulatory power, and financial clout. As thought leaders, we articulate a vision; as facilitators, we bring stakeholders together; and we develop programs to put that vision into action. Within the Digital Government practice area, we bring together government, research institutions, and the private sector to promote and implement human-centered AI in the public sector.