Behavioural and organisational readiness play a key role in the successful adoption of AI in Local Authorities. In addition to technological and financial hurdles, technology adoption also faces substantial behavioural barriers, including but not limited to: technology aversion, preferences for the status quo and fear of change, as well as a lack of time, confidence, and compelling evidence to motivate and implement changes to existing work patterns. While these issues are no less important to consider than the feasibility and impact evaluations comprising our AI Readiness Ranking, behavioural and organisational readiness may differ significantly between individual organisations. For this reason, we propose a case-by-case assessment of behavioural and organisation readiness that complements the AI Readiness Ranking. Together, these two approaches will provide Local Authorities with in-depth insight into not only which AI techniques to consider but also how to facilitate their successful deployment.

DG Cities employs a holistic approach to behavioural barriers for AI adoption and offers a range of services that (1) assess their significance and potential impact, (2) design targeted solutions, and (3) evaluate and refine these solutions on a case-by-case basis. In the assessment stage, DG Cities will design and deploy surveys, workshops, and focus groups to get an in-depth understanding of the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, as well as existing behaviours surrounding AI. Crucially, these assessment tools can be tailored on an organisational and a departmental level as well as targeted towards the adoption of specific AI techniques. Solutions will be developed on the basis of the initial assessment and continuously evaluated and refined; examples of this may include information campaigns to combat existing biases towards AI, showcasing concrete examples to demystify its risks and highlight its benefits, as well as the design and implementation of commitment devices that motivate and facilitate the allocation of time and resources towards familiarising oneself with AI techniques.

DG Cities is committed to creating practices and networks within Local Authorities that foster sustained engagement with AI beyond our direct involvement. We will ensure that the assessment tools developed are accessible and future-oriented, such that further evaluation can be undertaken if and when necessary. Furthermore, we can provide Local Authorities with a toolkit of behavioural interventions to facilitate continuous engagement with existing AI techniques or guide them through the introduction of novel AI techniques in the future. Finally, we will aid in the development of an interorganisational network of experts and early adopters who take on the role of AI ambassadors. These ambassadors will provide a source of knowledge, motivation, and community to inform and guide late adopters through their concerns and difficulties.