A recent publication by the Societal Experts Action Network (SEAN), part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, & Medicine (NASEM), explores how governments can use artificial intelligence (AI) for better decision-making.

As the AI landscape rapidly evolves, many state and local governments are exploring how to use these technologies to enhance public services and governance. While some localities are currently using AI technologies, others are in the process of integrating or still deciding whether and how to adopt them, and for what uses.

The available options pose different levels of risk and require balancing the potential of AI technologies to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness with potential challenges, such as associated costs, public trust considerations, data security risks, and long-term sustainability. The increasing development of new AI technologies presents a timely opportunity to provide evidence-informed insights as decision makers navigate the complexities of these technologies.

This rapid expert consultation offers practical insights into how state and local governments can effectively integrate AI technologies into public services and governance processes.

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