The city of Ghent wants to deploy AI or artificial intelligence on city services starting as early as next year. The city hopes the new computer technology will help it to tackle complex dossiers more quickly and efficiently and that city services can be improved as a result.
Ghent first wants to explore how artificial intelligence can be used to support city services.
Sofie Bracke (Flemish liberal/Open VLD) is Ghent alderman for digitisation: "We are well on the way to becoming technology capital of Europe. AI will definitely make its appearance here. AI can be used to tackle complex dossiers. We believe it will be a positive development. Of course, we will remain vigilant and consider all possible risks. The ethical aspect too is important."
The City of Ghent is not blind to the dangers of artificial intelligence either. "We also have to consider the ethical frameworks. Europe and Flanders are already developing these. As a city, we can then implement these rules," says Stefaan De Smet of District 09, the city's IT partner.
Added value for employees and citizens
Ghent city services are scheduled to start working with AI as early as next year. District 09, the city's IT partner, is already making preparations. "AI can have great added value for Ghent city employees," explains Stefaan De Smet. "In this way tasks can be automated, but the services the citizen receives can also be improved, e.g. through the use of automated chatbots."
Working groups will determine which tasks artificial intelligence can be used for. "We will look at where AI can add value," says Mr De Smet. "At the same time, we are already getting employees excited about AI and are already training them to learn how to work with it."