AI IN PUBLIC SECTOR GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY: A CASE STUDY OF SCARP – A WORLD BANK FUNDED PROJECT

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the world and has radically affected the way of doing things. By manipulating the voluminous and complex data on a real time basis in quick succession, it can come up with incredible solutions. Public sector governance and accountability is a diverse and staggering task, however, with the help of AI, dependence on human resources can be curtailed and efficiency can be enhanced to a level, where it has a fruitful impact on the societal services. AI algorithms have the capacity to execute huge financial datasets, flagging anomalies or deviations, such as overspending, underutilization, outliers or inconsistencies between projected and actual targets. This accelerates the review process and highlights areas that need deeper examination. Developed countries have already started accruing benefits of the AI, while the countries of Asia Pacific region, which are lagging behind in technological advancement, still need to do a lot before they can utilize its full potential. AI can provide support to the public sector policymakers and the development institutions.