A Taxonomy for AI in Social Protection: Defining capabilities and application areas

Overview

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming part of the conversation on the future of social protection. Yet discussions are often complicated by inconsistent terminology, evolving technologies, and different interpretations of what AI can actually do.

The AI Hub Taxonomy for AI in Social Protection provides a common language for understanding, classifying, and discussing AI in the context of social protection. Rather than focusing on individual technologies, the Taxonomy organizes AI according to its capabilities and illustrates how these capabilities can be applied across social protection systems.

By establishing a shared vocabulary, the Taxonomy supports clearer communication, more consistent research, and better-informed policymaking. It provides a foundation for responsible AI adoption by helping stakeholders move beyond technical jargon and engage in evidence-based discussions.

Why this publication matters:

As governments and development partners increasingly explore AI for improving social protection systems, the need for a shared conceptual framework has never been greater.

Without common definitions, it becomes difficult to compare experiences across countries, evaluate evidence, identify promising applications, or develop policies that support responsible innovation.

The Taxonomy addresses this challenge by providing a practical reference that helps stakeholders speak the same language when discussing AI in social protection.

What you’ll find inside:

• An introduction to AI in the context of social protection
• A classification of AI capabilities and application areas
• Definitions of key concepts and terminology
• Examples illustrating how AI capabilities can support social protection functions
• A common framework for research, policy discussions, and implementation

Who is this publication for?

This publication is designed for:

• Policymakers
• Social protection practitioners
• Researchers
• AI developers and technology partners
• International organizations and development partners

Required citation:

DCI AI Hub for Social Protection, A Taxonomy for AI in Social Protection: Defining Capabilities and Application Areas, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Germany, 2026.