Fed and SLED IT Managers Are Buying Into AI

By Tom O’Keefe, Consultant

According to a recent study, 90% of public sector IT managers have observed a noticeable shift in the adoption of AI at their organizations over the last two years. The research report, “AI Is Out There: Early Adoption in Fed & SLED Agencies, ” explores government agencies’ interest in AI and seeks to understand current usage of AI technology in the public sector.

The study highlights IT managers’ and public sector leaders’ interest in gaining an edge by becoming early adopters of AI technology. Of surveyed respondents, 77% view AI as an asset to their organization’s ability to deliver on its mission, while 85% agree AI will be a game changer in how their agency thinks about and processes data. Some agencies have started to initiate AI pilot programs with 14% already reporting benefits from the technology. Currently, 61% of respondents report the use of at least one foundational AI technology such as voice assistants, high performance computing, and virtual customer assistance or chatbots.

Study results show that AI is increasing in popularity due to its extended benefits in cybersecurity, operational efficiency and quality control for both Fed and SLED agencies. While public sector IT managers are excited about the benefits of AI, they see some potential challenges in implementing these changes. These challenges include finding IT professionals with AI-related skillsets, implementing formal AI strategies and needing additional investments to modernize aging IT infrastructure..

The transition to AI technology in the public sector is happening now. It’s the strategy of the future with 60% of SLED and 75% of fed organizations saying AI is part of their technology roadmap. In preparation, organizations need to build a foundation by investing in relevant infrastructure, organizing data and improving data governance.

Artificial Intelligence adoption in the public sector is no longer a groundbreaking idea. The possibility is now tangible and government IT managers are on board. And, with the interest and implementation of AI continuing to rise, there are growing opportunities for AI vendors to help solve their public sector customers’ challenges.

Join us for a webinar that will discuss the results of this study in more detail on September 4 at 1:30 p.m. ET. Register here. 

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This story originally appeared in the Arrow Channel Advisor e-magazine.