How AI is Helping Government Work Smarter

AI isn't coming for your job; it’s coming to make it better.

Instead of worrying about automation fears, we should focus on how AI is increasing efficiency in the workplace, freeing up workers' time for more meaningful, high-impact tasks.

Rotem Farkash, a technology entrepreneur and investor with a keen interest in AI explains that ‘Nowhere will the positive effects of AI be felt more than in the public sector, where it will not just be a tool for efficiency, but a solution to growing demands and shrinking budgets.’

The UK has just set an example for AI use in the public sector, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently announced plans for the civil service to embrace AI.

Starmer said that the government should follow the mantra ‘No person’s substantive time should be spent on a task where digital or AI can do it better, quicker and to the same high quality and standard.’

Farkash weighed in on the issue, noting that ‘with AI handling routine administrative tasks, civil servants will be able focus on more complex and important work that requires human insight. This shift won’t just save time—it will help make governments more responsive and efficient, enabling them to deliver better services across the board’.

Singapore is another great adopter of AI and has signalled the technology’s potential to raise productivity and increase precision.

The country has adopted a unique approach to AI. Instead of seeking to be a leader in the AI space and use the newest and most cutting-edge models, Singapore’s application of the technology has been based on ‘enterprise use’.

Singapore wants to see AI widely and effectively used across both the public and private sectors, and this philosophy drives their approach to the technology.

In light of this, the government has developed the ‘Pair’ suite of general-purpose AI tools for public service officers, which overcome stringent security and technical barriers.

‘Pair’ AI tools have automated day-to-day tasks of public servants and made searches of large government datasets instantaneous and intelligent.

The data on the uptake and effectiveness of these tools speaks for itself. With over 60,000 registered users and a 46% reduction in time spent on admin tasks in the public sector, Singapore’s approach proves that AI can deliver tangible benefits.

In the US, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is driving AI adoption to modernise government operations and cut bureaucracy.

Since its founding, DOGE has focused on using AI to improve public service delivery, automating routine tasks like paperwork and resource allocation. By using AI to streamline workflows, the technology will free public servants in the US to focus on complex, higher-value tasks.

While AI is an incredibly powerful tool that will change how we work, it still requires human oversight.

A useful way to conceptualise how AI will be used in the public sector is as a co-pilot—processing data and suggesting solutions—while humans steer the ship, making final decisions.

This is known as the ‘human-in-the-loop’ approach, ensuring that AI supports workers, rather than replacing them.

The positives that AI will bring to government operations are endless, which means that we will feel the benefits too.

Even now, by automating routine tasks and elevating efficiency, AI will enable workers to focus on more important tasks and challenges, ensuring governments deliver greater value to their citizens.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.