Last month, we released our openly accessible resource comparing different AI techniques, the AI Readiness Index. We produced this to demystify some of the language around emerging tools, go beyond the hype and explain what particular approaches can and can’t do for local authorities. For this short piece Innovation Consultant, Nima Karshenas explains where to start and how to get the most out of it.
We recently rolled out our AI Readiness ranking for Local Authorities – your live window into the ever-evolving world of AI. This isn't just a static report, but a dynamic resource crafted to reveal how AI can truly transform local authority operations. Whether you're a council team looking to innovate or an AI developer building cutting-edge solutions, this ranking is your essential guide to understanding local government needs and how AI can meet them head-on.
There’s a wealth of insights waiting for you on our site, but with such a comprehensive analysis, it can be tough to pinpoint exactly what matters most to you. That's why we've created this user guide – to quickly show you how to navigate our platform and unlock all the relevant information for your goals.
Homepage: ai.dgcities.com
Your journey starts here: homepage
When you first land on our site, you'll be greeted by a brief introduction to the AI Readiness Ranking. Scroll down a bit, and you'll find all the essential context you need to understand the analysis. But the real heart of our ranking lives on the leaderboard page. You can easily find it by clicking "AI Readiness Ranking" in the navigation bar at the very top of your screen.
AI Readiness Ranking
On this page, you'll discover each AI technique we've analysed, ranked by its ‘readiness’. But what exactly does ‘ready’ mean? We've meticulously assessed each technique based on two crucial dimensions: ‘Feasibility’ and ‘Impact’. A technique is truly ready for local authorities only when it excels in both areas – one without the other simply isn't enough.
Technique Pages
We currently feature three key AI techniques, and each one has its own dedicated page with a detailed analysis of its readiness within the local authority context. You can find them using them using the navbar at the top, or just clicking the avatars on the ranking page.
For AI Developers: This is your goldmine. Find the technique that aligns with your product and dive straight into the ‘Impact Analysis’ section. Here, you'll gain invaluable insights into the specific needs of teams in Social Housing, Planning, Transport, Public Health, and Social Care. Discover exactly how your AI product can step in and address these critical challenges.
For Council Teams: Every technique we've highlighted is relevant and important for you to understand. The ‘Summary’ and ‘Feasibility’ sections are a must-read for all teams. Then, head over to the ‘Impact’ section. We've broken it down by relevant team, so you can easily find how AI can genuinely transform your specific functions and operations.
The site also explains the concept of behavioural readiness and touches on some of the behavioural barriers to AI tools within an organisation, such as technology aversion, preferences for the status quo, a lack of time or confidence.
“The goal of this ranking is to go beyond the headlines and generic statements like "AI can do this and that" and instead introduce at a practical level how the underlying technologies are designed to work and therefore what their potentials or limitations are for local authority use cases. It’s an independent assessment – DG Cities does not develop any of the AI tools, we provide innovation services for local authorities ensuring innovation can lead to a tangible positive impact in the communities.”
DG Cities runs dedicated workshops for council teams that focus on AI tools, procurement and use cases, as well as attitudes and behaviours related to emerging technology. If you’d like to organise one for your team, get in touch.