Editor’s note (15 October 2026): This article was written in July 2024, when the AI Advisor Tool was in beta. Scotland’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026 to 2031 was published in March 2026; check ai.govtech.scot for the tool’s current status.
In short: Generative AI can help Scottish public services draft policy, analyse public feedback, automate routine tasks, predict demand and plan smart cities. In July 2024 the Scottish GovTech Cluster beta launched an AI Advisor Tool, a language model trained on Scottish GovTech scenarios, to support policymakers and public sector teams.
Key takeaways
- Generative AI can analyse consultation feedback and public sentiment to help Scottish policymakers draft and refine policy, and can produce personalised communication for different groups of citizens.
- Government agencies are increasingly using AI to automate routine tasks such as processing applications, managing public records and answering citizen enquiries, freeing staff for more complex work.
- AI-driven tools can predict demand for services such as healthcare or transport, helping the government allocate resources more effectively, including during public health crises.
- In smart city planning, generative AI can model and simulate traffic patterns and public spaces to help planners optimise resources and improve quality of life.
- The Scottish GovTech Cluster beta launched an AI Advisor Tool, a large language model trained on GovTech scenarios, research, investors and case studies relevant to Scotland.
Generative AI, a subset of artificial intelligence that creates new content by learning from existing data, is rapidly transforming the landscape of GovTech. In Scotland, the adoption of generative AI is not just a trend but a significant shift towards more efficient, personalised and innovative public services. This technology, which has the ability to generate text, images and even complex decision-making models, is poised to revolutionise how the Scottish Government interacts with its citizens, manages resources and formulates policies.
How can generative AI support policy and public engagement?
One of the most promising applications of generative AI in GovTech is its potential to enhance policy formulation and public engagement. Traditional policy-making processes often involve lengthy consultations, extensive data analysis and multiple rounds of revisions. Generative AI can streamline these processes by analysing vast amounts of data and generating insights that policymakers can use to make informed decisions.
For example, AI algorithms can analyse public sentiment on social media platforms, interpret feedback from public consultations and generate policy drafts that reflect the needs and preferences of the population. This approach not only speeds up the policy-making process but also ensures that policies are more aligned with public opinion, leading to greater trust and engagement from citizens.
Moreover, generative AI can be used to create personalised communication with citizens. AI can generate tailored messages that resonate more effectively with different segments of the stakeholder population. This personalised approach to communication has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of public service delivery and enhance citizen satisfaction.
How can generative AI improve public service delivery?
Generative AI is also being used to optimise public services in Scotland. Government agencies are increasingly turning to AI to automate routine tasks, such as processing applications, managing public records and responding to citizen inquiries. By automating these tasks, AI frees up human resources to focus on more complex, higher added value and strategic activities.
Furthermore, AI-driven decision-making tools can analyse large datasets to identify patterns and trends that might not be immediately apparent to human analysts. For instance, AI can help predict demand for public services, such as healthcare or transportation, allowing the government to allocate resources more effectively. This predictive capability is particularly valuable in managing public health crises, where timely and accurate information is key .
Another innovative use of generative AI is in the development of virtual assistants and chatbots that can provide citizens with real-time information and support. These AI-powered tools can handle a wide range of inquiries, from answering questions about public services to guiding citizens through complex application processes. The use of AI in this context not only improves the efficiency of public service delivery but also makes it more accessible to a broader audience.
What could generative AI do for smart cities in Scotland?
As Scotland continues to develop its smart city initiatives, generative AI is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of urban living. AI can be used to design and manage smart infrastructure, such as energy-efficient buildings, intelligent transportation systems and responsive public spaces. By analysing data from sensors and other sources, AI can generate models and simulations that help city planners optimise the use of resources and improve the quality of life for residents.
For example, AI can be used to simulate traffic patterns and suggest improvements to reduce congestion and pollution. Similarly, AI-driven models can help city planners design public spaces that promote social interaction and well-being. The integration of generative AI into smart city planning is not just about technology; it’s about creating cities that are more sustainable, resilient and inclusive.
What is the Scottish GovTech Cluster AI Advisor Tool?
To further advance the use of AI in government operations, the Scottish GovTech Cluster has beta launched a potentially groundbreaking new tool: the Scottish GovTech Cluster AI Advisor Tool. This innovative tool is a large language model trained specifically on GovTech-based scenarios, research, investors and case studies relevant to the Scottish context. It is designed to assist government agencies, policymakers and other stakeholders in making informed decisions based on the latest AI-driven insights.
The AI Advisor Tool can be accessed at ai.govtech.scot or via the AI tab on our website. This tool offers a wide range of functionalities, including policy drafting assistance, scenario analysis and public sentiment analysis. The tool aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery in Scotland by providing users with AI-generated recommendations and insights.
The introduction of this AI tool marks a step forward in the integration of advanced technologies into the heart of the Cluster. It not only demonstrates the Cluster’s commitment to innovation but also sets a precedent for other stakeholders to follow in leveraging AI for the public good. As generative AI continues to evolve, we hope tools like the Scottish GovTech Cluster AI Advisor will play a key role in exemplifying the future of government technology.
Conclusion: Embracing the Future of GovTech with AI
Generative AI is not just a technological advancement; it is a transformative force that has the potential to reshape every aspect of government operations. From policy formulation and public engagement to optimising public services and developing smart cities, AI offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness and inclusivity of public services in Scotland.
As the Scottish GovTech sector continues to evolve, the integration of generative AI will be key in driving innovation and delivering better outcomes for citizens. The launch of the Scottish GovTech Cluster AI Advisor Tool Beta is an exemplar of Scotland’s leadership in this space, providing a powerful resource for government agencies and stakeholders to harness the full potential of AI.
Explore the capabilities of the new Scottish GovTech Cluster AI Advisor Tool today. Visit ai.govtech.scot or navigate to the AI tab on our menu to learn more about how this innovative tool can support your work in the public sector.
Want to know more about how the cluster can help you? Reach out here.
#GenerativeAI #ScottishGovTech #AIinGovernment #SmartCities #PublicSectorInnovation #AIAdvisorTool
Frequently asked questions
How can generative AI help with policy making in Scotland?
The article says generative AI can analyse large volumes of data, interpret feedback from public consultations and assess public sentiment, then help generate policy drafts that reflect public needs. This is presented as a way to speed up traditionally lengthy consultation and revision cycles and to build greater trust and engagement from citizens.
What public service tasks can generative AI automate?
The article gives processing applications, managing public records and responding to citizen enquiries as examples of routine tasks that AI can automate. It also describes virtual assistants and chatbots that provide real-time information and guide citizens through complex application processes, freeing staff to focus on higher-value and strategic work.
What was the Scottish GovTech Cluster AI Advisor Tool?
It was a beta tool launched by the Scottish GovTech Cluster: a large language model trained on GovTech scenarios, research, investors and case studies relevant to Scotland. It offered policy drafting assistance, scenario analysis and public sentiment analysis, and was available at ai.govtech.scot or through the AI tab on the Cluster website.
How could generative AI be used in Scottish smart cities?
The article says AI can help design and manage smart infrastructure such as energy-efficient buildings, intelligent transport systems and responsive public spaces. By analysing sensor data it can generate models and simulations, for example of traffic patterns, helping planners reduce congestion and pollution and make cities more sustainable, resilient and inclusive.