The IPU has published a new tool to guide parliaments in their artificial intelligence (AI) development activities.
Developed by the IPU’s Centre for Innovation in Parliament, the Maturity Framework for AI in Parliaments offers structured guidance, drawing from the latest research as well as good practices from parliaments around the world.
Six levels of AI maturity
The Framework allows parliaments to assess their progress on the AI journey across six levels of maturity.
These range from “Initial”, where parliaments have a basic awareness and recognition of the need for AI policies and strategies, to “Leadership”, where parliaments can demonstrate full maturity and be a benchmark for other parliaments.
To determine each level, the Framework invites parliaments to self-diagnose their standing in four areas: governance, technical capability, organizational capability – especially the democratic impact that the effects of AI implementation can have on parliamentary functions – citizen engagement, transparency, accountability, and democratic values and processes.
This Framework is designed to support all parliaments, regardless of their size, digital maturity or level of AI adoption. It is aimed at those in parliament who regulate, plan or strategically manage AI – especially parliamentary leadership and senior ICT staff.
The Framework should be used in conjunction with the IPU Guidelines for AI in parliaments, a recent IPU tool that provides comprehensive practical guidance to help parliaments responsibly adopt and implement AI.
Quotes
Martin Chungong, IPU Secretary General, said:
“Parliaments cannot afford to fall behind as society embraces these new technologies. The future quality of democracy and its institutions are at stake. Yet introducing AI-enabled parliamentary operations can be a complex and resource-intensive task and, if not managed well, can even be counterproductive. I invite parliaments to engage with this resource and to join us in building a future where parliaments harness the potential of AI for the benefit of all.”
