Tech for Social Good The Role of AI and Innovation in Public Policy

The role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in reshaping societies has become increasingly clear in recent years. AI is redefining the boundaries of what is possible in public policy, pushing forward a commitment to use innovation for social good. As we explore the transformative impact of AI on society, it is essential to recognize how these technologies can effectively address complex social challenges. At Harvard, I have had the privilege of examining the intersection of technology and public policy—learning how these advancements can bring meaningful changes, particularly to marginalized communities in my homeland, Jammu & Kashmir.

Harnessing AI for Public Policy Efficiency

The fusion of AI and public policy presents an opportunity to solve problems with unprecedented efficiency and scale. AI has optimized public resources, improved government services, and enhanced transparency. The Biden-Harris administration issued an Executive Order to further seize AI's promise while managing risks, expanding AI testbeds to ensure safety for critical infrastructure.

In India, the Jugalbandi chatbot is using AI to bridge the nation's linguistic divide, providing information in multiple local languages to enhance access to 171 government programs, which reduces cost and friction for citizens. By harnessing AI, policymakers can predict disease outbreaks, optimize medical supply chains, and craft proactive solutions to address the issues faced by vulnerable communities. Such tools, if implemented well, can bridge the gaps in healthcare and ensure that all communities have access to basic health services.

Education and Bridging Gaps through AI

Education is another domain that benefits immensely from AI. At the 2024 World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting, the Schwab Foundation’s 'AI for Social Innovation' initiative was launched to support social innovators in using AI to create positive impacts. AI-powered learning platforms are transforming the way education is delivered, enabling personalized learning experiences for students, regardless of their geographical locations. I am particularly passionate about education as a catalyst for socio-economic development, and I see AI as a powerful tool to democratize access to quality education.

In Jammu & Kashmir, educational disruptions due to conflict have long posed challenges for students. AI-based solutions can bridge this gap by providing consistent, tailored learning experiences to those who need them the most. For instance, personalized education technology can help educators analyze student data and adapt their methods to meet individual needs, ensuring that no student is left behind. AI has the potential to transform the way we educate, making learning accessible and inclusive even in the most underserved regions.

Innovation in Smart Governance

In Dubai, the Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has implemented an AI-driven Business Requirement Document Generator that reduces document generation time from a week to just a day, increasing productivity and enhancing public sector efficiency. According to the World Economic Forum, these AI-driven solutions are essential for building sustainable urban environments and achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Take the introduction of e-rickshaws in Srinagar, which I worked on in collaboration with Stairs - Empowering Youth, through my initiative KYARI (Kashmir's Yumberzal Applied Research Institute). This project incorporates plans to potentially use AI-based monitoring in the future, alongside sustainable transportation, to empower economically disadvantaged communities by providing them with a reliable source of income while reducing the carbon footprint. It represents how AI-driven solutions, once fully integrated, can be implemented at a community level to achieve meaningful change.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Despite the incredible potential of AI, it remains important to ensure these technologies are inclusive and accessible. The digital divide—the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not—remains a barrier to progress. One notable example is the Barefoot Law initiative in Uganda, which leverages AI to provide free legal advice to marginalized communities, empowering over 663,309 people with the legal information and support they need, aiming to reach 50 million people across Africa by 2030.

In Oslo, a unified data platform using Microsoft Fabric has been developed to analyze data across housing, healthcare, and public services, which were previously disconnected, setting the stage for more AI-based innovations to benefit citizens. Access to the internet, digital literacy, and equitable distribution of resources are crucial in ensuring that AI benefits all segments of society.

Ensuring Ethical AI Deployment

One recent initiative, the European Union’s AI Act, aims to impose comprehensive rules on the development and use of AI, setting the EU as a leader in AI governance, though it faces challenges in harmonization and enforcement across member states. One recurring theme in my research has been the ethical deployment of AI technologies. Ethical deployment of AI must address issues like algorithmic bias, data privacy, and accountability in decision-making to ensure that AI serves society in a fair and just manner.

A Vision for Technology Serving Humanity

The future of public policy lies in rethinking the relationship between technology and society. It is about creating solutions that are not only effective but also just and equitable. As someone deeply committed to fostering social change in Jammu & Kashmir, my vision is that technology should serve humanity, not the other way around. At KYARI, our mission is clear—harnessing the power of AI for sustainable and equitable development while keeping local communities at the core of every initiative.

From healthcare to education, from smart governance to sustainable development, the potential for AI to drive social good is boundless. However, realizing this potential requires deliberate action, ethical considerations, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity. As I continue my journey at Harvard and beyond, I remain dedicated to advancing innovation that uplifts society as a whole, ensuring that no one is left behind in our collective progress.

About the Author
Arhan Bagati is a distinguished Kashmiri Pandit and a prominent figure in social work and public policy, focusing on the development of Jammu & Kashmir. He has a notable academic background, with studies at Pomona College, the University of Cambridge, and currently at Harvard, pursuing a Master's in Public Policy. Arhan’s leadership extends beyond academia, particularly through his role as the Awareness and Impact Ambassador for the Paralympic Committee of India, and as the founder of KYARI, which addresses critical issues in Kashmir, from education to sustainable development​.