Theme: Organizing for Data-Driven Innovation in the Public Sector

The lunch seminar brought together agency experts and researchers to discuss how Swedish public organizations can better harness data and AI for innovation. While promising use cases exist, participants emphasized recurring challenges like legal constraints, budget limitations, and siloed responsibilities.

The discussion highlighted a growing need for leadership engagement, cross-agency collaboration, and citizen trust. Questions were raised about whether success stems from formal strategies or grassroots initiatives by motivated employees. Participants also discussed the role of AI-related policy, governance, and coordination in enabling long-term innovation.

The session was hosted by GaPP, in collaboration with the House of Innovation. Moderator: Professor Karl Wennberg.

March 3, 2025

Theme: Swedish Public Agencies’ Use of AI - Challenges and Opportunities

The roundtable dinner was held as part of the government's follow-up on the Swedish Government's recent inquiry on how twentyfive national public agencies are using and planning to use AI. The emphasis has been placed on improving staff competence and fostering inter-agency collaboration.

The dinner discussions revealed a strong interest among agencies in using AI but highlighted challenges such as legal uncertainties, lack of coordination, and risk aversion. Participants stressed the need for clearer guidelines, legal support, better training (especially for legal and leadership roles), and platforms to share best practices and foster innovation.