The “expl[ai]n!” workshop, a collaborative initiative by Dublin City Council, Smart Dublin and the CONNECT Centre, marks a pivotal step towards integrating AI technologies within local government operations.
Facilitated in partnership with Mark Kelly, Founder of AI Ireland, this innovative workshop aimed to enhance AI awareness among local authority staff, fostering a comprehensive understanding of both Traditional AI and Generative AI technologies.
Participants, drawn from a wide range of departments within the Dublin City Council, engaged in a deep dive into AI’s potential risks and rewards, focusing on its application within the context of local governance.
Goals and Objectives
The workshop was designed with the following objectives:
Educational Enhancement
Equip participants with a foundational understanding of AI, distinguishing between Traditional AI and Generative AI, and their respective use cases and functionalities.
Risk Assessment
Guide attendees through a critical examination of AI applications, identifying potential risks and ethical considerations in various scenarios.
Opportunity Exploration
Highlight and discuss the vast opportunities AI presents for improving local authority services, including efficiency gains, enhanced decision-making processes and personalised citizen services.
Challenge Identification
Address and strategise around the challenges and barriers to AI integration, from technical hurdles to public trust and data privacy concerns.
Workshop Structure
Introduction to AI in Governance
- Overview of AI technologies and their relevance to local governance.
- Introduction to the concepts of Traditional AI and Generative AI, illustrated with real-world examples.
AI Opportunities in Local Authorities
- Detailed exploration of AI applications in various departments such as traffic management, public safety and citizen engagement.
- Discussion on how AI can transform public services, increase operational efficiency and drive innovation.
Risks and Ethical Considerations
- Interactive session on identifying and assessing the risks associated with AI deployment, including data security, privacy and ethical implications.
- Case studies on AI misapplications and lessons learnt.
Breakout Sessions
- Participants split into department-focused groups to discuss potential AI applications and challenges specific to their areas.
- Facilitated brainstorming on practical steps towards AI adoption.
Conclusion and Next Steps
- Wrap-up discussion on key takeaways, establishing a roadmap for AI integration within the council’s operations.
- Encouragement towards a culture of innovation and continuous learning in AI technologies.
Key Outcomes
The “expl[ai]n!” workshop succeeded in:
Building AI Literacy
Participants gained a solid grounding in AI technologies, understanding their implications and potential within local government contexts.
Risk Awareness
The workshop fostered a nuanced perspective on the ethical and operational risks of AI, paving the way for responsible AI use.
Fostering Collaboration
By bringing together staff from various departments, the workshop encouraged cross-departmental collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Highlighting AI’s Potential
Attendees left with a clear vision of how AI can be harnessed to enhance public services and operational efficiency.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Dublin City Council, Smart Dublin, the CONNECT Centre and AI Ireland underscores a proactive approach towards embracing AI technologies. This initiative not only enhances AI literacy among local authority staff but also sets the stage for thoughtful, ethical AI integration, ensuring that Dublin remains at the forefront of smart city innovations.
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