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On Tuesday, 10 June, the Saeima hosted a presentation of a study prepared by its Analytical Service, titled “Towards More Efficient Public Administration: How to Harness the Potential of Artificial Intelligence?”. The study concluded that artificial intelligence (AI) technologies could significantly enhance the efficiency of Latvia’s public administration. However, successful integration requires a well-defined strategy, the necessary skills, and a trustworthy data environment.
“AI is not just a passing trend—it has the potential to become a valuable aid in achieving efficient public governance. Our aim is a modern, smart, fast, and effective public administration. Failing to embrace technological advances means inefficiency, sluggishness, and missed opportunities,” said Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, during her opening address.
The presentation was followed by an expert panel discussion, chaired by Kalniņa-Lukaševica. Panellists included Signe Bāliņa, Chair of the Board of the Centre of Artificial Intelligence; Ēvalds Urtāns, AI researcher at the Riga Technical University; Artūrs Mednis, AI advocate and head of the digital content marketing agency “New Black”; and Zanita Avotniece-Vīksna, a researcher at the Saeima Analytical Service.
The discussion centred around promoting the adoption of AI tools in public administration. The experts agreed that AI should not be used for its own sake, but rather as a strategic asset to make governance more transparent, intelligent, and inclusive. Both the panellists and the audience recognised fear as the primary obstacle to adoption. They encouraged leaders and employees alike to be bolder—to start testing and using AI tools now to boost productivity and improve service quality.
A strong message emerged: without AI, public administration risks falling behind significantly in terms of performance. AI's role today was likened to electricity when it first became widely available.
The study by the Saeima Analytical Service identifies key areas where AI could be most beneficial, as well as the necessary preconditions and risks of implementation. These include data processing and analysis, public service enhancement, human resource management, and legislative support.
Challenges highlighted in the study include regulatory uncertainty, poor data quality, lack of collaboration between institutions, limited digital skills, and restricted resources for innovation.
“Effective implementation of AI in the public sector requires courageous leadership, clear policy direction, and high levels of digital literacy. AI can become a vital tool in transforming Latvia’s public administration, helping to reduce bureaucracy,” Kalniņa-Lukaševica emphasised during the discussion.
According to the UN, up to 40 percent of jobs worldwide could be affected by the rise of AI. Yet current barriers remain—chiefly issues with data quality, lack of relevant expertise, and regulatory hurdles—as outlined in the study, which was initiated by members of parliament.
The findings aim to clarify what preconditions are required for AI to genuinely boost the efficiency of public administration, while preserving public trust, transparency, and a human-centred approach.
The study: https://www.saeima.lv/petijumi/Cela_uz_efektivaku_valsts_parvaldi_MI_potencials.pdf
Presentation and discussion photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/saeima/albums/72177720326749546
Disclaimer & copyright: https://www.saeima.lv/en/copyright
Saeima Press Service
