Artificial Intelligence (AI) has massive potential to fundamentally reshape how our cities operate, from planning to service delivery. Yet for many local governments, AI remains an unfamiliar terrain, filled with both opportunity and uncertainty. A critical first step in improving our cities is bridging this knowledge gap, allowing for evidence-based decision-making by leveraging available data. 

Recognising the unequal concentration of AI technologies in big tech, there is an urgent need for Asian governments, cities, and local tech communities to take an active role in developing AI solutions. By doing so, Asia can help forge a fairer and stronger AI future, one that addresses its unique urban challenges, encourages local innovation, protects control over important digital systems, and supports fair and balanced growth of cities. 

The whitepaper on ‘Responsible Use of AI in Urban Service Delivery’ provides policymakers, city leaders, and their ecosystem partners with a practical roadmap for harnessing AI responsibly, with a goal to strengthen governance, improve service delivery, and make our cities more liveable, inclusive, and truly resilient.

The project’s core methodology was to create a comprehensive body of knowledge that champions the responsible use of AI for improving the lives of citizens across Asian countries. The approach centered on identifying low-cost, safe, and easily scalable AI solutions to tackle pressing urban challenges, including resource optimisation and equitable last-mile service delivery. This effort began with a thorough desk research, which was then validated through key informant interviews with AI solution providers, policymakers, city officials and dedicated practitioners across the region. 

The resulting paper draws directly from real-world examples, focusing heavily on the implementation aspect of AI. It showcases precisely how these applications can successfully bolster governance at both national and sub-national levels.

The ultimate goal was to formulate necessary resources to effectively advise and support local policymakers and public servants in adopting and responsibly leveraging AI technology within their unique governance frameworks. Three signature outputs are presented in the paper: the AI Adoption Checklist, the AI Vendor Due Diligence Checklist, and a Policy Roadmap. 

These products are meant to help cities assess their readiness for implementing and scaling AI solutions, build their institutional and technical capacity, ensure they have robust and accessible datasets, and centre co-creation for ethical, safe, transparent and unbiased AI solutions.

(The paper and the products will be uploaded soon)