Artificial intelligence could have a significant impact on individuals, businesses, and governments. Here is what countries need to know about the benefits—and the first steps toward realizing them. The long-term potential of AI to change key aspects of the way we live and to support the operation of businesses, governments, and other organizations is hard to grasp. But even today, existing and proven AI applications can potentially create value for economies and societies around the world. Indeed, AI has contributed to improvements in quality of life for all segments of society through innovations such as predictive healthcare, adaptive education, and optimized crisis response.
The National Health Service in the United Kingdom, for instance, set up a National COVID-19 Chest Imaging Database containing a shared library of chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRI images to support the testing and development of AI technologies to treat COVID-19 and a variety of other health conditions. Businesses have seen increased productivity and operational efficiency through the use of autonomous robotics in manufacturing, AI-optimized supply chains, and intelligent cargo routing with autonomous vehicles, among other initiatives. For example, many logistics companies are using AI-powered sorting robots to optimize their warehouse operations. Governments can also harness the power of AI through personalized services and automated processes. Consider Singapore’s “Ask Jamie,” a virtual assistant that helps citizens and businesses navigate government services across roughly 70 government agencies through AI-powered chat and voice.
source: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-sector/our-insights/the-potential-value-of-ai-and-how-governments-could-look-to-capture-it#/
Eduard,
Excellent question. I was the expert in answering which Australian government scheme would benefit various businesses. It was the field officer equivalent to new product adoption
Bruce
Hi Bruce,
indeed the AI is evolving and we are yet at the very beginning of new era of technological transformation.
Eduard,
Artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics are playing an increasingly important role across government, business, industry, and academia. In my own research, I have focused on applying AI for medical diagnosis, such as detecting cancer biomarkers in blood samples. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we team developed a system to forecast patient prognosis based on reactive cell types associated with the virus. The overarching goal is for AI to serve as an assistive tool, with human experts always retaining decision authority over diagnostic and prognostic outputs.
In government, AI is being applied to streamline services, optimize operations, and enhance decision-making. However, policymakers must establish rigorous validation protocols, with humans remaining in charge of any AI-assisted decisions. For example, many agencies are using chatbots and virtual assistants to improve citizen engagement, but with humans available to handle complex queries. In business, AI and robotics are boosting efficiency and productivity, from inventory and warehouse management to customized marketing and sales. But again, human oversight is critical to ensure business operations align with ethical norms, even as robots take over routine tasks.
I believe AI and robotics will become deeply integrated across society as complementary capabilities, not as replacements for human judgment and expertise. Research institutions play a key role in developing AI as a supportive tool, while also studying the societal implications. Policymakers, businesses, and the public must continue engaging with researchers to shape the responsible and inclusive integration of these transformative technologies. But we must establish appropriate regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines to ensure these technologies are trustworthy, safe, and inclusive. There are still many open challenges around potential job displacement, algorithmic bias, privacy erosion, and other risks that require careful governance.
Kevin and Eduard,
The why is easier than the how. Both government and business always look at transactional costs as well as the quality of any advice (fear of negligent advice). Expert systems (early AI) were designed for application in two major areas; health and defence. Why - these are major cost spends.
Biomarkers in blood is an excellent application of AI with the screening overseen by a human. The front-end processing of user enquiries using chatbots is also a time-saving technique. Assuming the chatbot doesn't get misdirected by a biased set of data early in the training (The flight centre bot was turned racist).
I would agree with your observation that the role of AI is that of a partner.
The Defence sector and cybersecurity are the areas which will get the most attention. Unmanned fighting vehicles, automated penetration testing are the key areas.
When I was with the government as providing expert advice there was a need to use a senior officer for advice to cover the complex decisions which had to be made. For example the term fail safe was replaced by fail resistant for legal reasons.
I usually break up decisions using the Cynefin framework. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mqNcs8mp74. It is in the domain of complex decisions that the AI partnership will be important.
Bruce
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