Enhancing digital capacity, applying artificial intelligence in the public sector

The event aims to deeply assess the current context of artificial intelligence (AI) development, strategic orientation and current status of AI application in the public sector, thereby providing policy recommendations to maximize the potential of AI.

In the context of the fourth industrial revolution, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a key driver of innovation, rapid progress and sustainable development around the world. In particular, the public sector plays an important role in shaping and leading the development of AI in Vietnam by promoting the domestic AI ecosystem, integrating AI into governance and operations, and providing public services to the people.

Recognizing this importance, the Institute for Policy Studies and Media Development in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program conducted an in-depth study assessing the overall landscape of artificial intelligence (AILA) in the public sector in Vietnam, aiming to provide an overview of the current AI landscape in many different aspects and fields, especially the AI ​​legal framework.

The research report identifies gaps and bottlenecks that need attention and proposes specific recommendations for Vietnam to leverage AI effectively, responsibly and sustainably in the public sector.

Research shows that recently, a number of central and local government agencies in Vietnam have initially applied artificial intelligence (AI) to administrative management and public service provision.

Some typical examples include virtual assistants in public administration management, facial recognition software in public security, or intelligent traffic monitoring systems. However, this application still has many gaps that need to be adjusted to ensure sustainable and effective AI development in the public sector.

UNDP Deputy Representative in Vietnam, Mr. Patrick Haverman spoke at the seminar.

Speaking at the seminar, Deputy Representative of UNDP in Vietnam, Mr. Patrick Haverman said: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) is creating changes in the way we live, work and govern. AI offers great opportunities if we apply it responsibly. The AI ​​Landscape Assessment (AILA) emphasizes that Vietnam is at a pivotal moment. With the right strategy, reasonable investment and ethical assurance, AI can become a powerful driving force for national development and human progress.”

Discussing at the seminar, experts emphasized the important role of data and infrastructure in effectively applying AI. The current reality is that state agencies possess large amounts of data but they are scattered and lack connectivity. This limitation has been and is causing many obstacles to deploying AI solutions on a large scale.

Given that reality, there is a need for policies to promote open data, simplify administrative procedures related to data, and invest in computing infrastructure and data centers to serve AI.

In addition, limitations in human resources and technological capacity are also a major challenge. The number of AI experts in the public sector is very small, leading to heavy dependence on the private sector. To effectively apply AI, state agencies need to improve the capacity of civil servants, take advantage of expert resources from the private sector and encourage cooperation among stakeholders in AI development.

In addition, the unclear policy framework and mechanism are also major obstacles. Although there is an AI development strategy, Vietnam still lacks a complete legal system and technical standards, especially in data management and AI ethics.

Experts also pointed out that financial challenges are also a matter of concern as AI deployment requires large resources, while the state budget is limited and the financial mechanism has inappropriate points, making investment in AI applications difficult.

Director of the Institute for Policy Studies and Media Development (IPS), Mr. Nguyen Quang Dong affirmed: The application of AI in the public sector in Vietnam has great potential, especially in aspects of supporting policy decision-making capacity, improving work efficiency and improving public service delivery.

“Therefore, each agency needs to unlock this potential by clearly defining its own “problem” to choose the right AI technology, while assessing the organization's internal readiness to build an effective implementation roadmap,” Mr. Nguyen Quang Dong emphasized.

The study also shows that Vietnam needs to apply AI selectively, practically and appropriately to actual conditions as well as specific needs in the public sector, avoiding following technology trends, to ensure real efficiency and public benefits.

At the same time, it makes a number of recommendations, such as: Improving digital technology capacity in Government agencies by investing in data, data infrastructure and high-performance computing systems for AI; and enhancing human resource training for AI operations and development.

Establish a clear legal framework and mechanism, including regulations on accountability, ethical standards, risk management and data privacy protection. Promote public-private partnerships to encourage technology companies and research institutes to develop AI products and solutions for the public sector. Promote open data and data governance, creating a highly connected system between government agencies and partners. Focus on AI ethics and risk management through monitoring systems, impact assessment, ensuring transparency, fairness and privacy protection...

Source: https://nhandan.vn/nang-cao-nang-luc-so-ung-dung-tri-tue-nhan-tao-trong-khu-vuc-cong-post865973.html