Please note: The algorithm descriptions in English have been automatically translated. Errors may have been introduced in this process. For the original descriptions, go to the Dutch version of the Algorithm Register.
Grant-buddy
- Publication category
- Other algorithms
- Impact assessment
- DPIA
- Status
- In use
General information
Theme
Begin date
Contact information
Responsible use
Goal and impact
The grant buddy helps entrepreneurs and farmers who want to apply for a grant. The tool provides quick and easy answers to frequently asked questions about the EIP scheme, such as the conditions, the steps to follow and what certain words mean. This way, people need to contact RFO less often, and companies and citizens can be helped faster and better. This makes applying for a grant easier and clearer.
Considerations
The subsidy buddy gives applicants instant and easy access to information. They do not have to wait and it does not cost RFO staff extra time. This fits with the desire to help people faster and use resources better. The use of the subsidy-buddy is well justified because it ensures greater convenience, a simpler process and satisfied users.
Human intervention
Grant buddy answers are properly checked. If an answer is incorrect or receives negative feedback, it is automatically saved. RFO staff review these answers and adjust them in a special system. This way, the chatbot responds better next time. If a question is too difficult or depends on the situation, the user is automatically given the option to send an e-mail to an RFO employee.
Risk management
The biggest risks with grant-buddy are that users enter personal data themselves, that the chatbot gives wrong or made-up answers, that someone tries to trick the system, or that the answers are inappropriate or dishonest. These risks are mitigated by securing and encrypting personal data, by using additional layers of control and security, and by properly checking the answers. Employees can edit incorrect answers. The grant buddy does not give official advice and always refers to a staff member when in doubt.
Legal basis
European EZ, LVVN and KGG grants scheme 2021
Links to legal bases
Elaboration on impact assessments
A pre-DPIA was carried out. Based on the pre-DPIA, it was concluded that a DPIA is not necessary as there is no high risk.
Impact assessment
Operations
Data
The subsidy buddy processes public documents on subsidy schemes and user input in the chat.
Technical design
The grant-buddy uses Large Language Modelling (LLMs) combined with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG). Based on the user query, the system searches relevant passages in a pre-built knowledge base, which are then used to generate an appropriate answer. The system includes filters, guardrails and monitoring functionality to ensure reliability and security. It is not a self-learning algorithm.
External provider
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