The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published its’ 2025 report, “Governing with Artificial Intelligence: The State of Play and Way Forward in Core Government Functions.” The report examines how governments are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in core functions and the challenges faced. Drawing from 200 use cases spanning 11 different government functions, the report highlights key areas where AI can improve efficiency. These include automation of public services, forecasting and anomaly detection, tax administration, public financial management, justice systems, to mention a few.
The report warns that each of the 200 use case examples carries significant risks if AI use is not carefully governed. These include ethical breaches, operational failures, exclusion of vulnerable groups, and public resistance. One of the biggest challenges faced by government’s is maintaining legitimacy and trust while adopting AI. Citizens demand transparency, fairness and accountability in how governments deploy AI.
Although AI adoption is hailed as a priority by many governments, the report finds that actual adoption and implementation is patchy. The report aims to provide governments with the required elements of ensuring effective AI use, while considering the need for putting in place the enablers, guardrails and engagement mechanisms for a strategic and trustworthy approach to AI.
The full report can be found here.
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