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Analytics in AI: Prediction Machines in UK Gov

09 Jan 2019 by Anaeko 2 minute read

 Working within the technology industry there are some buzzwords which come up over and over again, current one being 'Artificial Intelligence'. 

A recent book on Prediction Machines: The simple economics of Artificial Intelligence gives a better           understanding of what artificial intelligence(AI) means for the future;

"The current wave of advances in artificial intelligence doesn’t actually bring us intelligence but instead a critical component of intelligence:- prediction"


Prediction machines use algorithms to predict the likelihood of X. For example, predicting the salary of an individual given information on their demographics, behaviour and cultural trends. By calculating the prediction accuracy of an event happening to a certain person, industry or trend, we gain further insight and can act accordingly. Prediction machines or models have many advantages. Although there is investment required to build these models, there are savings made intervening in a problem before it escalates. Public sector organisations can do this, but only if they can convene and analyse the datasets that might collectively point to cases of highest future risk.


If we take the example of three isolated departments; department for Education, the Police and the Department of Health & Social Care. If each department can collaborate and integrate their data, we would be able to predict various cases like individuals who are at risk of committing crime in the future, individuals who are vulnerable and individuals who are at risk of drug/alcohol abuse etc. By identifying the potential problem before it happens this has a domino effect in future years. The costs of intervening before an event, far outweighs the costs of intervening after the problem.  In January 2018, it was announced that Kanagawa, a Japanese prefecture, hoped to introduce predictive policing, when tackling crime before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This AI-based system would employ a 'deep learning' algorithm that allows the computer to teach itself by analysing big data. By gathering various data from different departments, they can use metrics on time, places, weather and geographical conditions to predict the likelihood of criminal offences taking place. 


The collection of data is crucial to all things predictive. Most departments are sitting on a pool of data that can facilitate prediction machines and automated processes. From Forbes top 5 technology trends in 2019, three of the five trends will require the utilisation of data to deliver the output. If you would like to find out more, book a free session/call with us to explore how AI might impact your organisation.

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Topics: Data Analytics, Public Sector, Data governance, Government, Machine learning, Predictive analytics, Artificial Intelligence

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