*By Natalia Marroni Borges
Amidst the revolutions brought about by the growing viability and popularization of artificial intelligence (AI), it is imperative that we consider the strategies adopted by Brazil with regard to the incorporation of this technology. What investments are being made by our representatives? What financial resources are earmarked for encouraging AI? How many projects focused on this topic are being carried out? Which government agencies excel in the development and use of AI?
Unfortunately, consolidated information on these topics (and others) remains insufficient. We don't have a unified framework that compiles this data and provides a holistic perspective. We persist in a fragmented approach to an increasingly relevant subject. In a country of continental dimensions such as Brazil, this fragmentary approach to a technology with the potential of AI appears as a significant gap.
One of the main problems resulting from this gap is the redundancy of the work, caused by the limited exchange of information. Currently, a government agency looking to employ AI will likely have to 'reinvent the wheel', as similar solutions have already been developed in other agencies but are not available for sharing, resulting in unnecessary duplication of effort and resources.
Another issue to be pondered refers to the hiring process, particularly in a governmental sphere, which is complex and sensitive. It is common for each body to conduct independent studies on suppliers and solutions, even when other institutions have already carried out the same process. This expenditure of time and resources could be avoided through effective sharing of this information.
In addition, it is necessary to take into account aspects related to AI management. What are the critical success factors for an AI project in a government context? What are the guidelines for bodies interested in implementing AI in their processes? What information is available to establish a medium and long-term strategy on resource allocation? And how can we guide a prospective vision, understanding future scenarios for something that, inevitably, should promote changes in the traditional work structures we are used to?
The proposal to establish a unified platform to centralize and share such information is not just an additional solution, but an efficient way to structure AI in the Brazilian context. Through an integrated strategy, it is possible to optimize the use of resources and promote a more effective adoption of AI in public administration.
It should also be noted that the implementation of AI technologies can have high costs, making the optimization of resources even more vital. The AI adoption experience will be enhanced as more information is shared between different agencies. This will benefit the country as a whole, accelerating the adoption process and increasing our competitiveness as a nation. In this line, it is important that Brazil seriously evaluate the adoption of a cohesive and unified approach in the development of Artificial Intelligence. Structuring a platform that facilitates the sharing of knowledge, resources and experiences – like what is already being tested on the European continent, with the “AI Watch” – will be essential to effectively boost AI in our nation. This may be one more way to maximize the efficiency and positive impact of this technology on our society.
* Natalia Marroni Borges is a researcher at ABES Think Tank, Researcher member of the IEA Future Lab group (linked to the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS), Post-doctoral student in Artificial Intelligence and Foresight and professor at UFRGS
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