Frontrunner model for responsible AI governance in the public sector: The Dutch perspective

Across the European Union, considerable discrepancies can be observed regarding the current state of AI adoption in the public sector and the complexity of functioning AI governance structures. This can be attributed to diverse levels of digitalisation, AI maturity and governance styles across EU member states. In the field of AI implementation and AI governance models in the public sector the frontrunner is the Netherlands, scoring first in the Global Index on Responsible AI. Analysing this example of good practices in terms of AI governance, with a focus on the delegation acceptance perspective, is of relevance for the state of art on AI governance within the EU. The article looks into the structure of the public Dutch Algorithm Register which currently contains over 400 entries, the AI framework for the public sector, supervisory structures in place and risks management approaches, addressing the importance of values in the development and deployment of AI systems and algorithms. The article demonstrates how in the case of AI also, early adaptors shape future behaviours, thus carrying a burden of responsibility when developing and deploying key enabling technologies in line with the core values.