Insights from UK Councils on AI-Ready Data Standards

This research report presents findings on the AI readiness of public data across UK councils, focusing on standards, readiness, and reform necessary for modernizing public data for artificial intelligence applications. The report outlines the importance of AI-ready data in transforming local government services, emphasizing that councils that adapt their data practices will enhance their service delivery capabilities. It details a structured research program conducted by the Open Data Institute and Nortal, which assessed ten high-impact use cases where councils are piloting AI initiatives. The report identifies key dimensions of AI readiness, including search, machine learning, and generative AI readiness, and highlights the challenges councils face in achieving these standards. It also discusses the need for improved data quality, infrastructure, and governance to facilitate effective AI applications. The findings suggest a mixed landscape, with some councils making significant progress while others encounter barriers that hinder their modernization efforts.