AI for Local Governance Studio

Overview

Objective: To explore and develop innovative AI solutions that can enhance local governance processes in Baguio City and Benguet Province addressing SDG challenges and improving citizen services.

Participants: Senior IT university students with a background in AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, and related fields. Local government officials, domain experts, and stakeholders from Baguio City and Benguet Province.

Day 1: Understand & Define

1. Introduction and Goal Setting

   • Welcome address and overview of the design sprint objectives.

   • Setting expectations and outcomes for the week.

2. Mapping the Problem Space

   • Presentation from local government officials about current challenges in governance.

   • Brainstorming session to identify specific areas where AI can potentially improve efficiency, transparency, or citizen engagement.

3. User Journey Mapping

   • Identify key stakeholders (e.g., citizens, government employees).

   • Map out typical interactions and pain points in current processes.

4. Defining Challenges

   • Narrow down to 1-2 specific challenges that AI could address effectively.

   • Formulate a clear problem statement for each challenge.

Day 2: Ideate & Sketch

1. Expert Workshops

   • Workshops led by AI experts to introduce relevant technologies and case studies.

   • Hands-on sessions to explore AI tools and platforms.

2. Ideation Sessions

   • Brainstorm ideas individually and in groups for potential AI solutions.

   • Use techniques like Crazy 8s to generate quick sketches of initial concepts.

3. Storyboarding

   • Create a storyboard for each solution idea, outlining key steps and interactions.

   • Focus on user experience and integration with existing systems.

Day 3: Decide & Prototype

1. Concept Selection

   • Discuss and evaluate each storyboard based on feasibility and impact.

   • Vote on the most promising concept(s) to prototype.

2. Prototyping

   • Form small teams to develop prototypes using AI tools and frameworks.

   • Focus on creating a basic functional prototype that demonstrates core features.

Day 4: Prototype & Test

1. Refinement

   • Iteratively refine prototypes based on feedback from mentors and stakeholders.

   • Ensure alignment with user needs and technical feasibility.

2. User Testing

   • Conduct usability tests with targeted users (e.g., citizens, government officials).

   • Gather feedback on usability, functionality, and potential improvements.

Day 5: Validate & Plan

1. Presentation Preparation

   • Prepare final presentations and demos of the prototypes.

   • Develop a concise pitch highlighting the problem, solution, and expected impact.

2. Pitch Day

   • Present prototypes and findings to a panel of judges including local government officials and experts.

   • Receive feedback and recommendations for next steps.

3. Next Steps & Implementation

   • Discuss potential avenues for further development and implementation of the AI solutions.

   • Identify key stakeholders and resources needed to move forward.

Post-Sprint:

• Documentation & Reporting

  • Compile detailed documentation of the design sprint process, including insights, prototypes, and feedback.

• Follow-Up

  • Schedule follow-up meetings to discuss potential partnerships or funding opportunities for implementing the solutions.

• Community Engagement

  • Engage with the local community to gather additional feedback and support for the proposed AI solutions.

Key Outcomes:

• Innovative AI prototypes designed to address specific challenges in local governance.

• Enhanced collaboration between university students, local government, and community stakeholders.

• Potential for real-world implementation and impact in Baguio City.

Onboarding

The onboarding and selection process for students participating in the AI for Local Governance Design Sprint in Baguio City is crucial to ensure that the teams are well-prepared and aligned with the objectives of the sprint. Here’s a detailed description of how this process could be structured:

1. Initial Announcement and Call for Applications:

• Announcement: The program is announced through university channels, local government networks, and relevant online platforms.

• Call for Applications: Interested senior IT university students are invited to apply by submitting their resumes/CVs and a statement of interest explaining their motivation and relevant skills.

2. Screening of Applications:

• Initial Screening: A committee comprising representatives from the organizing team and possibly local government officials reviews the applications.

• Criteria: Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as academic background (e.g., AI, Machine Learning, Data Science), relevant project experience, and interest in civic technology or local governance issues.

3. Selection Process:

• Shortlisting: Candidates who meet the initial criteria are shortlisted for further consideration.

• Interviews: Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed to assess their technical skills, problem-solving abilities, teamwork experience, and commitment to the program’s goals.

• Final Selection: Based on interviews and overall fit with the program objectives, the final cohort of students is selected.

4. Onboarding of Selected Students:

• Orientation Session: Selected students attend an orientation session prior to the start of the design sprint.

• Introduction to Design Sprint Methodology: An overview of the design sprint process, its goals, and expectations are provided.

• Team Formation: Students are introduced to each other and potentially assigned to teams based on their skills and interests.

• Logistics: Practical details such as schedule, venue, resources, and any pre-sprint assignments are communicated.

5. Preparatory Activities:

• Pre-Sprint Materials: Students may receive preparatory materials such as readings on AI applications in governance, case studies, or preliminary exercises to familiarize themselves with relevant concepts.

• Team Building: Encouraged informal team-building activities or icebreakers to foster rapport and collaboration among team members.

6. Continuous Support and Guidance:

• Mentorship: Throughout the sprint, students receive guidance from mentors who are experts in AI, local governance, and related fields.

• Feedback Loops: Regular feedback sessions are conducted to address any challenges and ensure alignment with sprint objectives.

7. Post-Sprint Engagement:

• Follow-Up Opportunities: Students are informed about opportunities for further involvement or implementation of their prototypes in collaboration with local government or other stakeholders.

• Feedback and Evaluation: A feedback session is conducted to gather insights from students on their experience and suggestions for improving future iterations of the design sprint.

Guidelines for Participating University Departments in the AI for Local Governance Design Studio

1. Commitment to the Program:

• Participating departments should demonstrate commitment to supporting students' involvement in the design sprint, understanding its importance in fostering innovation and practical application of AI in local governance.

2. Selection Criteria:

• Encourage departments to nominate senior students with backgrounds in AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, and related fields who have a strong interest in applying their skills to real-world challenges.

3. Faculty Support:

• Faculties are encouraged to support students by providing guidance, mentorship, and expertise related to AI technologies and local governance issues.

4. Resources and Infrastructure:

• Ensure access to necessary resources and infrastructure (e.g., computing resources, software tools) for students to develop prototypes during the sprint.

5. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration among students from different departments (e.g., Computer Science, Public Administration) to encourage diverse perspectives and holistic solutions.

6. Preparatory Activities:

• Encourage pre-sprint activities such as seminars, workshops, or reading assignments to prepare students for the design sprint, focusing on AI applications in governance and relevant case studies.

7. Feedback and Evaluation:

• Participating departments should actively engage in providing feedback and evaluation of students' progress throughout the sprint, ensuring alignment with academic and programmatic goals.

8. Integration with Curriculum:

• Explore opportunities to integrate learnings from the design sprint into relevant courses or research projects within the curriculum to enrich academic experiences and promote long-term impact.

9. Post-Sprint Engagement:

• Facilitate opportunities for students to present their prototypes and findings to faculty members and peers, encouraging dissemination of knowledge and outcomes within the university community.

10. Collaboration with Local Government:

• Encourage departments to explore ongoing collaboration with local government officials and stakeholders beyond the design sprint, fostering sustainable partnerships for continued innovation in local governance.

Thematic Tracks: AI for Advancing Sustainable Development Goal with Cities and Provinces

SDG 1: No Poverty

• Track Focus: Economic Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation

• Themes:

  • Entrepreneurship and micro-enterprise development in urban and rural settings.

  • Financial inclusion and access to credit for marginalized communities.

  • Social safety nets and programs for vulnerable populations.

  • Sustainable livelihoods and income generation projects.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Track Focus: Food Security and Agriculture Innovation

• Themes:

  • Sustainable agriculture practices and technologies.

  • Urban farming and community gardens.

  • Food distribution systems and logistics.

  • Nutrition education and health outcomes.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Track Focus: Public Health and Healthcare Access

• Themes:

  • Access to healthcare services and facilities in urban and rural areas.

  • Telemedicine and digital health solutions.

  • Disease prevention and management strategies.

  • Mental health support and well-being initiatives.

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Track Focus: Education Innovation and Access

• Themes:

  • Technology-enhanced learning environments.

  • Inclusive education and special needs support.

  • Teacher training and professional development.

  • Lifelong learning opportunities for all ages.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

• Track Focus: Women's Empowerment and Gender Mainstreaming

• Themes:

  • Gender-responsive policies and programs.

  • Economic empowerment of women and girls.

  • Ending violence against women and girls.

  • Equal representation and leadership roles.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• Track Focus: Water Resource Management and Sanitation

• Themes:

  • Sustainable water management practices.

  • Access to clean and safe drinking water.

  • Wastewater treatment and reuse technologies.

  • Sanitation infrastructure and hygiene promotion.

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• Track Focus: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

• Themes:

  • Promotion of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro).

  • Energy-efficient technologies and practices.

  • Access to affordable and reliable energy services.

  • Sustainable energy policies and planning.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Track Focus: Sustainable Economic Development

• Themes:

  • Job creation and entrepreneurship.

  • Skills development and vocational training.

  • Fair and inclusive economic growth.

  • Sustainable tourism and local industries.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• Track Focus: Infrastructure Development and Innovation

• Themes:

  • Smart city infrastructure and digital connectivity.

  • Innovation hubs and technology parks.

  • Sustainable transport and logistics solutions.

  • Resilient infrastructure for disaster risk reduction.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequality

• Track Focus: Social Inclusion and Equity

• Themes:

  • Social protection systems and inclusive policies.

  • Addressing inequalities based on income, gender, disability, etc.

  • Access to basic services for marginalized communities.

  • Empowerment of vulnerable groups.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Track Focus: Urban Planning and Resilient Communities

• Themes:

  • Sustainable urban development and planning.

  • Affordable housing and slum upgrading initiatives.

  • Resilience to climate change and natural disasters.

  • Accessible and inclusive public spaces.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Track Focus: Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns

• Themes:

  • Circular economy practices and waste management.

  • Sustainable procurement and supply chain management.

  • Consumer awareness and education on sustainable lifestyles.

  • Eco-friendly product design and innovation.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Track Focus: Climate Resilience and Mitigation Strategies

• Themes:

  • Climate change adaptation planning.

  • Renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency measures.

  • Carbon footprint reduction initiatives.

  • Community resilience and disaster risk reduction.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• Track Focus: Marine Conservation and Sustainable Fisheries

• Themes:

  • Marine ecosystem protection and restoration.

  • Sustainable fisheries management practices.

  • Pollution prevention and marine biodiversity conservation.

  • Coastal zone management and resilience.

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Track Focus: Biodiversity Conservation and Land Restoration

• Themes:

  • Conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity hotspots.

  • Sustainable land management practices.

  • Reforestation and afforestation initiatives.

  • Wildlife conservation and habitat restoration.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Track Focus: Governance and Institutional Strengthening

• Themes:

  • Transparent and accountable governance systems.

  • Access to justice and legal empowerment.

  • Conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts.

  • Strengthening local institutions and community policing.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Track Focus: Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration and Capacity Building

• Themes:

  • Public-private partnerships for sustainable development.

  • Capacity building and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.

  • Financing mechanisms for SDG implementation.

  • Technology transfer and innovation partnerships.