AI Governance and Ethics in Public Procurement: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice

Abstract

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems have become increasingly widespread, research in AI ethics has sparked. When developing the systems, many tools and methods are available for implementing AI ethics in practice. In addition, the research in AI governance is starting to activate, and some models for AI governance have already been introduced. Simultaneously, the role of the information systems (IS) procurement function has developed from its traditional operative role to a more strategic position, as the investments in IT have been on a constant rise. Success in procurement is found to be critical regarding the success of the development and implementation of information systems. But how are the existing tools and methods in AI ethics related to procurement practices? And how is procurement positioned in the proposed AI governance frameworks? This study answers these questions by setting up a research framework based on AI governance models and analyzing existing tools and methods in AI ethics.