PwC's Academy

Interview with Tosja Selbach, expert in the field of AI

At PwC's Academy, we always strive for quality and expertise. Our trainers are experts in their field and provide you with the most up-to-date knowledge, practical skills, and share sector-specific examples. Additionally, they convey knowledge and information clearly and effectively. We are pleased to introduce you to Tosja Selbach, an expert in the field of AI, who will answer three questions to gain more insight into the future of AI:

How do you see the role of AI evolving in the next five years for the public sector?

‘AI offers many opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government services. This can greatly increase the productivity of organisations and the quality of service towards citizens. In the coming years, I expect organisations to increasingly explore and apply the possibilities of Generative AI. Policymakers and executives will need to make strategic choices to apply AI in a safe and responsible manner, taking into account ethical considerations. The potential of AI is high for the public sector, but it also requires careful considerations and collaboration.’

What are the biggest challenges in implementing AI in organisations, and how can they be overcome?

‘One of the biggest challenges in implementing AI is trust in the technology. Organisations are often hesitant to use AI due to the risks involved, such as bias in AI systems. The European AI Regulation has great potential to contribute to the further digital transformation of the public sector and to build this trust. The law aims to promote and encourage innovation and the use of AI systems in a safe and responsible manner. It provides a framework for the ethical use of AI and can also boost the further development of AI systems, enabling new applications to be created. If organisations within the public sector implement the required risk approach and associated requirements, trust in technological applications and further innovation will grow. One aspect that contributes to trust is a good understanding of the technology and transparency about how AI systems work.’

Can you give an example of an AI-related project you have guided, and what were the key learning points?

‘Last summer, the European AI Regulation came into effect. This requires organisations to classify AI systems into risk categories and apply control measures based on that. In various projects, I have helped to identify the AI systems and control instruments currently being used within organisations, and then determine what is needed to safely and responsibly implement AI in these organisations. An important learning point was that due to a large number of laws and regulations, it is difficult for organisations to efficiently demonstrate compliance with these frameworks. It is challenging to find a good balance between careful risk assessment and meeting all requirements while quickly implementing new innovations.’