Since 2 February 2025, the AI Act has required (government) organisations to prioritise AI literacy. A key condition for the responsible use of AI is ensuring employees who engage with AI have an adequate level of knowledge. But what exactly does AI literacy entail? And what steps can organisations take to meet this requirement?
AI literacy is an umbrella term for the knowledge and skills in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). For example, it includes understanding how this technology works at a basic level, identifying opportunities, and recognising associated risks. It involves not only technical knowledge but also social, ethical, and practical aspects. Under the AI Act (Article 4), organisations, whether providers or users of AI systems, are required to ensure an adequate level of AI literacy.
How does the AI literacy requirement affect your organisation?
Organisations must promote an adequate level of AI literacy. The desired level of AI literacy varies by context, such as the sector or type of work. Consider developers building AI models or management teams overseeing their use. The goal is for all relevant individuals within organisations to make informed decisions about AI systems. Organisations should conduct an inventory of the AI systems currently in use and assess the existing knowledge base. Based on this inventory, they could implement the following measures:
- Ensure employees who develop or procure AI systems have sufficient knowledge of how such systems work and what risks they may pose.
- Ensure employees responsible for using specific AI systems know how and why they should use them and what risks are involved.
- Ensure employees who work with or are involved in AI systems have general knowledge of AI and algorithms. It is also important to explain ethical and social aspects, such as risks and opportunities. This promotes the responsible use of AI systems.
Getting started
To prioritise AI literacy, various materials are available, including guidelines, instructions, lectures, interactive sessions, e-learning, courses, and workshops with exercises, as well as knowledge-sharing with other organisations. For example:
- The RADIO Learning Platform (Dutch). This government learning platform, commissioned by the CIO of the Dutch government, offers government employees various modules, including freely accessible basic AI e-learning and two advanced AI e-learning courses.
- An overview of AI training relevant to the government can be found on Platform AI & Government (Dutch).
How to make AI literacy part of your work processes
In addition to building knowledge, AI literacy can be promoted by:
- Highlight the AI Act’s AI literacy requirements to raise awareness of its importance.
- Incorporate AI literacy into procurement terms and conditions (example in Dutch) as standard practice. For example, you can require a mandatory user manual as part of the purchase conditions to ensure that staff can use AI systems responsibly.
From 2 August 2026, the AI Act clarifies that individual certification in AI knowledge is neither the only nor a mandatory way to meet the regulations.
Best practice insights
The European Commission provides some tools, such as the AI Act Single Information Platform, for all information on the AI Act. The European Commission has also published a document providing examples of methods to promote AI literacy within organisations.
Organisations are free to adopt or establish codes of conduct. From 2028, the European Commission will conduct evaluations to assess the effectiveness of these codes of conduct.
Within the Dutch government, there are also organisations working to promote AI literacy:
- AI Kompas Waterschappen (Dutch): The Union of Water Boards has developed an AI compass. This governance framework helps make the right decisions when applying artificial intelligence.
- Interprovincial Guide on Digital Ethics (Dutch): This guide was prepared by the Interprovincial Consultation (IPO) and provides information on the value-driven use of technology. It includes tools, examples, and tips for using digital techniques responsibly.
- Amsterdam’s Vision on AI (English PDF available at the bottom of the page) and Digital City Agenda (English PDF available at the bottom of the page): The municipality of Amsterdam, together with its residents, has developed a vision and agenda for the responsible use of AI within the municipality. The focus is on using AI effectively and stimulating digital skills.
Guidance
These examples serve as inspiration. They show that AI literacy depends on your organisation’s context and can take various forms. In addition, the Algorithm Coordination Directorate (DCA) at the Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) has issued practical guidance to help organisations build AI literacy. As the number of AI systems within the government increases sharply, AI literacy is becoming more important. Building knowledge within your organisation provides a certain level of protection for employees and encourages the responsible use of AI.
