Enhancing digital capabilities and applying artificial intelligence in the public sector.

NDO - On the afternoon of March 18th, in Hanoi, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam and the Institute for Policy and Development Studies (IPS) organized a thematic seminar entitled "A Comprehensive Assessment of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector in Vietnam".

The event aims to conduct an in-depth assessment of the current artificial intelligence (AI) development landscape, strategic direction, and the current state 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 major driver of innovation, rapid progress, and sustainable development worldwide . In particular, the public sector plays a crucial 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 citizens.

Recognizing this importance, the Institute for Policy and Development Studies, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, is conducting an in-depth study assessing the overall landscape of artificial intelligence (AIA) in the public sector in Vietnam. The aim is to provide insight into the current AI landscape across various aspects and fields, particularly the legal framework for AI.

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

Research shows that, recently, some central and local government agencies in Vietnam have begun to apply artificial intelligence (AI) to administrative management and public service delivery.

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

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

Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Patrick Haverman, Deputy Head of UNDP in Vietnam, said: “Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live, work, and govern. AI offers tremendous opportunities if we apply it responsibly. The AI ​​Global Assessment (AILA) highlights that Vietnam is at a pivotal moment. With the right strategy, appropriate investment, and ethical considerations, AI can become a powerful driver of national development and human progress.”

During the seminar, experts emphasized the crucial role of data and infrastructure in the effective application of AI. The current reality is that government agencies possess large amounts of data, but it is fragmented and lacks connectivity. This limitation has been and continues to be a major obstacle to the widespread deployment of AI solutions.

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

Furthermore, limitations in human resources and technological capabilities also pose a significant challenge. The number of AI experts in the public sector is very limited, leading to a heavy reliance on the private sector. To effectively apply AI, government agencies need to enhance the capacity of their officials, leverage expert resources from the private sector, and encourage collaboration among stakeholders in AI development.

Furthermore, the lack of a clear policy framework and mechanisms is also a major obstacle. Although Vietnam has an AI development strategy, it still lacks a complete legal system and technical standards, especially in data management and AI ethics.

Experts also point out that financial challenges are a significant concern, as AI deployment requires substantial resources, while state budgets are limited and existing financial mechanisms have shortcomings, making investment in AI applications difficult.

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

"Therefore, each agency needs to unlock this potential by clearly defining its own 'problem' in order to select the appropriate AI technology, while also assessing the internal readiness of the organization to build an effective implementation roadmap," Mr. Nguyen Quang Dong emphasized.

The study also indicates that Vietnam needs to apply AI selectively, practically, and appropriately to its actual conditions and specific needs in the public sector, avoiding simply following technological trends, in order to ensure genuine effectiveness and public benefit.

At the same time, several recommendations were made, such as: Enhancing digital technology capabilities in government agencies by investing in data, data infrastructure, and high-performance computing systems for AI; and strengthening human resource training for AI operation and development.

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