The Role of Artificial Intelligence in NGOs: Challenges and Opportunities for Slovenia’s Information Society

As artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a transformative global technology, its application by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), particularly those serving the public interest, is gaining significance. This paper examines AI’s role in Slovenia’s information society development, focusing on its potential benefits and challenges for NGOs. Using theoretical analysis and qualitative interviews, the study assesses AI’s (potential) benefits and challenges, namely its impact on operational efficiency, decision-making, and societal engagement. While AI offers significant advantages, its adoption is hindered by financial constraints, limited technical expertise, and ethical concerns related to fairness and accountability of these systems. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive, inclusive AI governance framework that prioritizes ethical considerations, enhances education and training, ensures adequate resource allocation, and fosters collaboration between the government, NGOs, and academic institutions.