Technology: In a decisive step to integrate artificial intelligence into public services, an important policy was adopted by the Economic Commission of the European Regions Committee (Econ) during a meeting in Tampere, Finland. On October 25, Alberto Cirio, President of the Piedmont Region, supported a proposal that examines the adoption of AI technologies by regional and local authorities across Europe, regardless of their size.
The proposal, awaiting ratification at the Committee’s plenary session, highlights that AI can bring substantial opportunities for progress and social well-being – but only if it is implemented transparently and accountably. Local and regional representatives emphasized that legislative frameworks alone are insufficient without strong initiatives to promote public awareness and education. They advocate investments in staff training, continuous skills upgrading, and fostering an ecosystem that promotes collaboration between the public and private sectors in AI development.
Emphasizing AI’s role as a humanizing tool rather than a solution to all problems, this approach underscores its potential to enhance administrative efficiency and performance. It also highlights the opportunity for AI to provide new services to citizens, encouraging local governments to look at AI integration as a way to innovate in public service. The commitment to creating a cooperative landscape for AI reflects a strategic approach to securing public administration for the future and maximising technological benefits for all residents.
