AI Innovation and Risk Management in the Public Sector

In a recent presentation hosted by NDB, Dr. Galya Mancheva explored the transformative role of AI in the public sector and the urgent need for ethical governance.  She called on government institutions to lead by example in adopting AI responsibly and transparently.

Dr. Mancheva explained that while AI offers new opportunities for public administration (from predictive policy tools to digital citizen services) its use must be rooted in strong internal controls and public accountability. Unlike in the private sector, decisions made with AI in public institutions often touch on basic rights, such as access to healthcare, education, or social support.

“Governments must show what responsible AI looks like,” said Dr. Mancheva. “When AI is used to make decisions that affect citizens’ lives, transparency, fairness, and human oversight are non-negotiable.”

She stressed that the EU AI Act provides the tools to ensure this happens. By categorizing AI systems by risk and requiring transparency from high-risk applications, the Act protects citizens while allowing space for innovation. In the public sector, this means guaranteeing that people know when they are interacting with AI and that their data is handled with care.

Dr. Mancheva also emphasized the need for national strategies that combine innovation with risk awareness. She warned that without proper governance, the public sector risks losing citizen trust, especially if algorithmic decisions go unchecked.