“AI for All” – An initiative of the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Google and EKDDA

The “AI for All” initiative is an innovative effort of the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with Google and the National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government (EKDDA). The aim of this initiative was to train civil servants in basic and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) skills in order to strengthen their capacities and foster innovation in the public sector.

Training programmes

The educational programmes of the “AI for All” initiative included:

1. Basic Training in Artificial Intelligence: It offered introductory knowledge about artificial intelligence, its applications and its impact on society and the economy.
2. Specialised seminars: They delved into specific areas of AI, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and data analysis.
3. Practical workshops: They provided opportunities for the practical application of knowledge in real-life scenarios, thus enhancing participants' experience and self-confidence.

The first training program included three workshops by qualified and experienced Google instructors, delivered via Webex in July 2024. Two of them were addressed to civil servants as a whole and unfolded through the themes "Strengthen Your Productivity with Artificial Intelligence (AI)" and "Problem Solving Methods". The third workshop, entitled "Leadership for the Digital Age", was specifically aimed at heads of Directorates and General Directorates in the public sector.

Participants in numbers

More than 1,000 civil servants participated in the first three workshops of the “AI for All” initiative. Participants came from various ministries and public sector bodies, covering a wide range of roles and responsibilities.

Vision of the Initiative

The vision of the “AI for All” initiative was to make AI accessible to all citizens and civil servants, fostering innovation and transparency in the public sector. Through education and the promotion of AI technology, it sought to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public services, as well as the quality of life of citizens.

Objectives and results

The initiative delivered the following:

1. Extension of the training programme: Development of new educational programs covering developments in artificial intelligence.
2. Cooperation with other organisations: Expanded collaborations with other public and private actors to create a wider learning and innovation community.
3. Monitoring and evaluation: Systematic monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of the programs for continuous improvement and adaptation to the needs of the participants.

Google's collaboration with the Ministry of Interior was part of a broader AI education initiative in Greece, known as the “AI Skilling Initiative in Greece”, which aims to accelerate the digital transition through artificial intelligence and ensure equal opportunities for all. The training program was made available through the Grow with Google platform.

Impact

The uptake of AI in the public sector had a significant positive impact:

1. Improving public services: Using AI led to faster and more efficient service delivery, reducing errors and delays.
2. Increased transparency and accountability: AI contributed to the transparency and accountability of public services through data analysis and performance monitoring.
3. Empowering civil servants: By training in new technologies, civil servants improved their skills and adapted to the demands of the digital age.

Why is it a good practice?

The “AI for All” initiative is a good practice for the following reasons:

1. Modernisation and digital transition: It enhanced the digital skills of public officials, promoting innovation and efficiency in the public sector.
2. Equal opportunities: It ensured that all employees have access to the same training and development opportunities, reducing the digital divide.
3. Public-private cooperation: It is a successful example of cooperation between the public and private sectors, combining resources and know-how for the common good.
4. Long-term economic impact: According to the Implement Consulting Group's report, the widespread adoption of AI can contribute significantly to the country's GDP growth.
5. Practical training: It provided hands-on training with directly applicable knowledge, enhancing the productivity and problem-solving capacity of civil servants.
6. Strengthening leadership: The dedicated Leadership Day ensured that public sector leaders are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to lead their organisations in the digital age.

The “AI for All” initiative represents an important move towards modernising the public sector and promoting innovation through artificial intelligence, laying the groundwork for a more efficient and transparent public system.