Ethical Considerations in the AI Lifecycle for Design, Developing and Adopting AI in Public Sector – the Case of Finland

Abstract

This study explores the role of ethics in all phases of AI projects. Through qualitative interviews with the public sector actors in Finland, the study identifies key ethical concerns related to the lifecycle of AI. The findings highlight the need for embedding ethical requirements throughout the AI system lifecycle and emphasize the role of human-centered AI systems. By utilizing empirical data from multiple public sector case organizations, this study provided both theoretical insights and practical guidelines for developing ethically aligned AI systems. The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive, lifecycle-oriented approach to ethical AI design, development, adoption, and use. The AI lifecycle spans various phases that collectively shape the ethical impact of AI applications. This research provides empirical insights into how ethical considerations can be practically integrated from the design to adoption phases of AI. By embedding ethical practices throughout the lifecycle, organizations can anticipate and mitigate risks more effectively.