AI Lab for Public Services

Utrecht

The AI Lab for Public Services, established in 2022, is a collaborative initiative led by Utrecht University in partnership with Utrecht University of Applied Sciences and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Its mission is to optimize public services by connecting government organizations with knowledge institutes to ensure the effective and responsible use of AI and data science. The lab operates under a demand-driven model where the majority of its PhD researchers are embedded within partner organizations (Dutch Tax Authority, the Senate, and various ministries) to address real-world challenges like fraud detection, algorithmic accountability, and transparency in digital governance. By focusing on four key themes such as data analysis, process automation, technology adoption, and the ethical use of AI, the lab aims to foster public trust while developing robust digital innovations for the public sector.

Sustainable Development Goals

About The Lab

Research projects

The AI Lab for Public Services focuses on the following research tracks :

Digital identity fraud and cybercrime in the era of digital public and private services (Arthur van Geenen, Logius): This project focuses on developing a robust and resilient fraud detection system using state-of-the-art technologies, including AI, to combat the growing risks of digital identity fraud as citizens’ use of electronic government services increases.

Proactive government services with AI (Bob Kersten, Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment): This research explores how AI can manage the complexity of social security systems to provide more accessible and responsive services, ultimately aiming to promote social justice through responsible AI systems.

Limiting undesirable behaviour of AI systems (David van Kuijk, Tax and Customs Administration): This project investigates techniques to detect and limit the risks of undesirable AI behavior by gaining insight into the internal workings of these systems and teaching them desirable behavior.

Public values in digitisation (Erik Slingerland, PublicSpaces): This research seeks to understand how public values can be served during the development of digital government and aims to provide methods to safeguard these values during the design and development phases.

Power to the people through AI? The socio-technical dynamics of AI and democracy (Jasper Kars, Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations): This project examines the mutual influence between AI and democratic institutions, specifically exploring how AI can be used to strengthen democratic values like participation and legitimacy.

Transparent working in a digital government (Jos Zuijderwijk, Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management): This research focuses on developing digital innovations that contribute to open government, ensuring transparency and accountability within complex digital processes and large document flows.

Parliamentary control over algorithmic implementation (Juliette Ermers, Senate): This study identifies successful practices and bottlenecks in accountability mechanisms to clarify how parliament can exercise meaningful control over the implementation of algorithms in legislation and regulations.

Change processes in the renewal of large-scale ICT systems (René Grasmeijer, IND): This project involves developing a scientifically based measuring instrument to help organizations ensure that their business and ICT departments remain aligned during far-reaching innovations.

People

Partners

Utrecht University (UU) is the lead knowledge institute and primary contact for the lab, Utrecht University oversees the majority of the PhD researchers.

Utrecht University of Applied Sciences (Hogeschool Utrecht – HU) is the key academic partner focusing on applied research and safeguarding public values within the design of digital government tools.

VU (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) is the academic partner providing scientific expertise in managing change processes and aligning business with large-scale ICT renewals.

Belastingdienst (The Dutch Tax Authority) aims to ensure fair internal processes by researching techniques to detect and limit undesirable AI behavior.

Logius works to secure digital government services by developing AI-driven systems to combat identity fraud and cybercrime.

IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) focuses on maintaining alignment between business needs and ICT functionality during far-reaching system innovations.

BZK (Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations) explores how AI can be used to strengthen democratic values like participation, legitimacy, and transparency.

Senate (Eerste Kamer) investigates mechanisms for parliament to maintain meaningful control and accountability over governmental algorithmic implementation.

Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management develops digital innovations to ensure the government operates transparently amidst complex processes and vast document flows.

PublicSpaces seeks to provide methods for safeguarding fundamental public values during the development and design of digital services.

Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment uses AI to simplify complex social security systems and provide citizens with proactive, accessible services.