Artificial Intelligence (AI), one of the leading technologies having huge influence around the globe, is applied in various fields and departments. The visiting scholar of Taiwan Institute for Governance and Communication Research (TIGCR) -- Professor Justin Bullock, Assistant Professor of Public Service and Administration Department, Texas A&M University delivered public speech on “Artificial Intelligence, Discretion, and Bureaucracy”. Combined two of his research domains: Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, Bullock focused on how government applied AI on decision making and the possible impact. This speech was chaired by Professor Calvin Liao, Associate Professor of Department of Public Administration at National Open University, Deputy Director of Taiwan E-Governance Research Center.

Group photo after the speech

(Photo credit: TIGCR)

Professor Bullock's speech video

(Video credit: TIGCR)

The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) grows day by day. Because of its characteristic of automatic reaction, constant learning ability and mass storage of memory, AI has been widely applied to economics, budget management and policing system in the U.S., among which CIMON (an interactive mobile robot) would be one of the famous examples. Bullock suggested that nowadays government and business intended to applied AI in decision making process gradually, which is more complex than before. However, if AI is to applied to discretion in governance, the task complexity, uncertainty and contextual level of analysis need to be taken into consideration. Tasks which belongs to low discretion and micro (Individual) level could easily be processed and decided by AI, like data entry or issuing licenses; on the other hand, for those tasks with higher discretion and larger scale of analysis level, AI may not be mature enough now to process precisely.

Professor Bullock delivered a public speech

(Photo credit: TIGCR)

Professor Liao chaired the speech

(Photo credit: TIGCR)

Besides, scalability and cost of task are the other two criteria for measuring the applicability of AI in decision making. Bullock mentioned that applying AI into low complexity tasks will lower cost down, and elevate efficiency at the same time in the field of public administration. Meanwhile, the decision quality of AI within the training process is a critical issue. Therefore, for AI system to learn better, well-organized training can’t be neglected to avoid accumulative bias outcome. At last, Bullock provided high recognition of AI’s quick reaction ability in crisis time. Also, AI with well-trained could correct stereotype of human’s decision, while the ethical issue still needs further examination.

Professor Bullock delivered a public speech

(Photo credit: TIGCR)

On the afternoon of June 19, Professor Bullock had a close-door discussion with TIGCR research faculty, providing suggestions on policy report which TIGCR is going to publish in this year. He advised that it would be more clear for presenting political polarization in the report if we can include comparison between the public opinions of bureaucracy and citizens.

Professor Bullock attended close-door discussion

(Photo credit: TIGCR)

Group photo after talks

(Photo credit: TIGCR)

With Bullock’s agreement on recording of public speech, his insightful speech is now available on TIGCR’s official websites.