The Well-Tempered AI Assistant for Policy Processes

Approximately Optimizing AI Outputs to Empower Policy Discussions

John S. Hollywood

Expert InsightsPublished Sep 23, 2025

Operations research (OR)–inspired prompts can approximately optimize artificial intelligence (AI) policy outputs to better align with objectives, stakeholder needs, and resource constraints. A violent crime reduction case study illustrates the approach. This effort is a first step in combining AI and OR in human-machine policy processes; possible extensions and applications are discussed, such as empowering workshops.

This is part of the Social and Economic Policy Rethink Initiative, a RAND effort to transform the approach to solving social and economic policy problems.

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Hollywood, John S., The Well-Tempered AI Assistant for Policy Processes: Approximately Optimizing AI Outputs to Empower Policy Discussions. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2025. https://www.rand.org/pubs/perspectives/PEA3888-4.html.
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Funding for this research was provided by the contributions of the RAND Social and Economic Policy Advisory Board; generous gifts by Frank M. Clark, Michael J. Critelli, William A. Downe, Jihee Kim Huh and Peter Yun Huh, and the Donald M. James Family Foundation; and income from the operation of RAND Social and Economic Well-Being.

This publication is part of the RAND expert insights series. The expert insights series presents perspectives on timely policy issues.

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