The use of artificial intelligence (AI) by government organisations is on the rise. Research by Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) indicates that government use of AI applications has increased by over 1.5 times compared to 2021. Municipalities, in particular, are actively engaging with AI possibilities. Out of a total of 266 identified AI applications, 105 (39%) are deployed by municipalities. Additionally, transparency concerning the use of AI and algorithms is improving.
Research scope
To understand AI in public service delivery, TNO sought answers to the following questions:
- Where is AI applied in the public sector?
- What changes have occurred since 2021?
- What insights have been gained about AI within the government over the past years?
Application
The government primarily uses AI for knowledge processing, archiving, and anonymisation, followed by inspection and enforcement. The rise in anonymisation software is influenced by the Open Government Act (Woo). Various innovative applications are also being employed in the public domain, such as a virtual assistant to improve and expedite the response to parliamentary questions.
Transparency
In 2024, the government has become more transparent about AI use within public service delivery. This openness is linked to the introduction of the Algorithm Register in 2022, where government organisations register their impactful algorithms. Many organisations are now using this national register.
Third AI quickscan
Data on the number of AI applications comes from research conducted by TNO (in Dutch) at the request of the Public Services working group of the Netherlands AI Coalition. This study follows the quick scans of AI in public service delivery from 2019 and 2021, conducted by TNO on behalf of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.
For further information, visit the Netherlands AI Coalition’s website and the Algorithm Register. To join discussions on the development of the Algorithm Register and framework, check out the Pleio environment and sign up for upcoming events.
