My New Book: 'AI and the Future of the Public Sector’

This coming week sees the launch of my 4th book ‘AI and the Future of the Public Sector’. It was conceived and written during the pandemic and will be published at a time when there is unprecedented financial pressure on the public sector globally.

These pressures exist mainly because of the enormous amounts of money used to keep economies afloat during the worst of the global crises. In the UK alone, current estimates range from ï¿¡310bn-ï¿¡410bn (the equivalent of ï¿¡4,600 - ï¿¡6,100 per person). The US federal government are also said to have spent US$ 1.02 trillion. Beyond this, the Institute of Fiscal Studies recently said that the UK Government alone will need to spend an extra ï¿¡44bn over the next 3 years on public services to keep pace with rising inflation.

These are pictures which are mirrored globally. Big bills will need to be paid, and the money will need to be found from somewhere. Savings in the public sector are inevitable not only through reductions in services but also from headcount reductions, in a sector which normally employs 15% of the overall national workforce. ?

Whilst automation and AI aren't the panacea, I wondered where and how AI was already being used in the sector and what degree the pandemic would act as a stimulus for greater usage? Also, what were the practical, ethical and implementation issues involved, and how would the citizen react?

Written with a global perspective, this is a topic which not only affects all who are working in, or studying the public services, but perhaps all of us as recipients of those essential services. Here's what some experts are saying.

“AI is a key enabler of technology and process automatization across industries and the public services are not an exception. However, ensuring the right applicability and adaptability to these changes?can be hard and with the increase in usage of AI, the potential errors and harms also increases. This book will lead you in the way of creating a trustworthy journey to AI when it comes to the public services. I totally recommend it.”?- Miguel Machado, CEO & Co-Founder of The Keenfolks

'Tony tackles a subject that most seem to want to leave it on the side. To do so is now at your own peril. The analysis of the depth and breadth of AI in the public sector and the economics of it all is second to none. This is the tell-all that we really need to solve the problems and challenges of policy today and more importantly, tomorrow. Hang on for the ride as Tony takes you on one of the most comprehensive journeys into the heart of change and how AI will confront this challenge that affects us all.' - Doyle Buehler, 'The Strategy Sherpa'