Balearic Islands win AI prize for simpler public services

The Balearic Islands have won a national innovation prize for an artificial intelligence plan designed to make public services quicker and easier to use.

The Balearic Government was the only public administration recognised at this edition of the Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity Summit in Murcia. Francisco Cánovas, director general for Digital Strategy and Technological Development, collected the award on behalf of the islands.

NorAI puts public control first

The award recognises NorAI, the Balearic Government’s plan for using AI in public administration. The model is built around oversight, transparency, protection of rights and digital sovereignty — keeping public control over the technology.

Cánovas said AI should be a tool rather than an end in itself. Its job, he said, is to improve public services, simplify procedures, help public-sector staff and offer people faster, more personal support.

Human oversight remains part of the plan

NorAI is intended to give the Balearic Government a single framework to supervise, manage and introduce AI systems with legal, ethical and technological safeguards.

The plan includes checks to monitor and assess the systems used by the administration. It also aims to protect public data, make automated processes transparent and comply with European rules.

A network of intelligent assistants is also planned to support staff and citizens in different areas. These systems would remain under human supervision, with records that can be traced and audited.

Topics: Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com