Government Technology Executive Publishes Blueprint for AI-Ready Public Services
Rainier Mallol released a paper outlining how governments should structure their operations before deploying artificial intelligence in public services. The work, titled "The Operative Republic," draws from Mallol's experience modernizing the Dominican Republic's construction permitting system.
Mallol argues that most governments approach AI backwards. They layer chatbots and automated systems onto existing bureaucratic processes without first fixing the underlying infrastructure that those systems depend on.
"Before AI can improve public services, governments need shared operating infrastructure," Mallol said. "These span identity, workflows, rules, registries, payments, notifications, audit trails, and service orchestration."
What the Paper Addresses
The paper identifies specific infrastructure elements that must exist before AI implementation becomes effective:
- Unified identity systems
- Standardized workflows across agencies
- Centralized rule management
- Shared registries and databases
- Integrated payment systems
- Notification infrastructure
- Audit trail capabilities
- Service orchestration platforms
Mallol founded The CPI, a nonprofit research organization that works with governments to build open digital public infrastructure. His framework treats AI as a public resource-one that should be open, accountable, and designed to strengthen democratic institutions.
Background and Credentials
Mallol has led technology teams in both private and public sectors, managed multi-million-dollar digital infrastructure budgets, and advised governments across Japan, Malaysia, Panama, the U.S., the UAE, Chile, and the Dominican Republic. He holds a master's degree in public administration from Harvard University.
His background includes work on COVID-19 technology response, cross-ministerial data integration, and nationwide software system implementation for government agencies.
Relevance for Government Officials
For government leaders evaluating AI adoption, the paper provides a checklist of foundational work required before implementation. Officials considering AI for Government initiatives may find the infrastructure framework useful for planning. Those responsible for policy decisions around AI deployment may benefit from the AI Learning Path for Policy Makers.
The full paper is available through the Dominican Republic's government services catalog.
Your membership also unlocks:
