Impact and barriers to AI in the public sector: the case of the State of Mexico

The use and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for doing repetitive tasks in the public sector is a challenge, particularly in persuading bureaucrats. However, the potential benefits for citizens, such as improved process and services related to tax payments and basic services using machine learning or diffuse logic for decision making or logistic distribution, are significant. This research aims to understand the perceptions of public managers regarding the impact, functions, and barriers of AI in the context of a local government. A survey was conducted among 32 key public managers from the government of the State of Mexico in the central region to assess their perceptions of AI. The findings indicate that there is widespread concern among public administrators regarding high costs, suggesting the critical need to address financial issues to ensure sustainable implementation of AI. In terms of barriers, the results underscore the urgent necessity of addressing fundamental issues such as connectivity, financial resources, and technological capacity to enable effective integration of AI. This study is relevant as it identifies the key aspects of impact, functions, and barriers for the implementation of AI in a local government.