Sociotechnical system perspective on artificial intelligence implementation for a modern intelligence system

Abstract

Implementing new technology into a sociotechnical system, such as a military intelligence system, is a challenging enterprise. The needs and expectations of the “social” users are critical in designing and implementing the technical system to support the intelligence process. New technology often affords new ways of accomplishing the objectives of the intelligence process. However, possible process and operation improvements may be constrained due to the tendency of users to stick to the entrenched doctrine of strict hierarchical operation, typical of military organisations. This paper presents a sociotechnical system’s perspective to guide implementation of new technology, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), in an existing Military Intelligence System. This framework is based on contemporary sociotechnical system development and Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA) literature, which is adapted to the field of intelligence systems.