How can governments procure AI technology in an innovative, cost-effective, and responsible way? AI is already reshaping how state and local governments deliver public services across the U.S. and beyond. But when used in high-stakes areas like criminal justice, healthcare, or safety net programs, it raises serious concerns about fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Join the Technology & Innovation focus area and the SAIS Technology Club on October 15th from 1-2pm for a conversation on how AI procurement is shaping the future of digital government with Jae Yeon Kim, a research fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, incoming assistant professor of public policy at UNC-Chapel Hill., and former senior data scientist at Code for America.
The conversation will include promising and problematic examples of AI in the public sector, introduce key actors and coalition-building efforts, and explain why procurement decisions are critical for delivering the outcomes that matter. It will also highlight a crucial but often overlooked AI policy tool: contracts. Contracts are one of the most important strategic tools governments can use to manage tech vendors and build AI systems that are transparent, accountable, and responsive to the public.
Bio:
Jae Yeon Kim is a research fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, a Better Government Lab fellow at the Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, and an incoming assistant professor of public policy at UNC-Chapel Hill. Previously, he worked as a senior data scientist at Code for America, where he supported U.S. state and local governments in improving access to safety net programs. He holds a PhD in political science from the University of California, Berkeley.
