Purpose: The rapid evolution of technology and the expanding applications of artificial intelligence (AI) have heightened the need to reconsider organizational policy-making approaches. As one of the country’s principal service-providing institutions, the Social Security Organization requires an innovative model to ensure effective policy implementation and improved efficiency. This study aimed to design a model for AI-centered policy implementation in the Central Branch of the Social Security Organization of Khuzestan Province.
Method: Employing a qualitative and applied research design, the study utilized thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework. The statistical population included university faculty members and organizational managers. Data were collected through 15 semi structured interviews using purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved. To ensure validity and reliability, the findings were confirmed through participant validation. Data analysis with MAXQDA software.
Findings: The analysis of data obtained from 15 semi-structured interviews with experts led to the identification of 20 basic themes, 10 organizing themes, and one overarching theme, entitled Readiness for the Application of Artificial Intelligence in the Policy-Making Process. The findings indicate that organizational readiness for the adoption of artificial intelligence is a multidimensional construct encompassing information technology and artificial intelligence infrastructure, organizational structure and roles, human resource capacity building and development, data and information management, continuous monitoring, evaluation and improvement, risk and challenge management, legal and regulatory frameworks, social ethics and governance, stakeholder collaboration and engagement, and AI-enabled policy-making processes. The thematic network further revealed that organizational readiness depends on the interaction and integration of these dimensions, and that no single dimension alone is sufficient to ensure the effective implementation of artificial intelligence in the policy-making process.
Conclusion:The findings demonstrate that readiness for the application of artificial intelligence in the policy-making process of the Social Security Organization extends beyond the provision of technological infrastructure and requires the alignment of technological, organizational, human, data, legal, ethical, and managerial capacities. Accordingly, the proposed conceptual model provides a comprehensive framework for assessing organizational readiness and guiding the gradual and effective implementation of artificial intelligence in policy-making processes. The model also offers a practical basis for improving evidence-informed decision-making, strengthening data-driven governance, and enhancing the effectiveness of policy-making within the Social Security Organization.