In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries globally, government agencies in the United States are rapidly integrating AI into their operations. According to a recent survey conducted by Ernst & Young (EY), federal, state, and local government professionals are embracing AI technologies to boost efficiency, enhance productivity, and unlock new opportunities in public service delivery. However, significant challenges remain, particularly around governance, ethical concerns, and the development of the necessary workforce skills to fully harness AI’s potential.
The EY Pulse Survey, conducted from June 5 to June 11, 2024, gathered responses from 445 senior professionals working across various levels of government. The survey found that over half of public sector leaders (51%) use AI applications at least several times a week, with federal agencies showing a higher daily usage rate (64%) compared to their state and local counterparts. Generative AI, a technology that can generate text, ideas, and other forms of content, emerged as the most popular type of AI in use.
Survey participants highlighted several key applications of AI, with text summarization, preliminary research, and brainstorming as the top uses. Defense agencies were notably more inclined to use AI for idea generation than other sectors, underscoring the technology’s ability to inspire innovation in high-stakes environments.
The most frequently cited benefit of AI integration was time savings, with 71% of respondents stating that AI helps them work more efficiently. Additionally, 62% of participants reported that AI had enhanced their creativity, while 61% noted that it allowed them to focus on more complex tasks, freeing them from routine administrative work.
Federal civilian employees were particularly enthusiastic about AI’s potential, with 80% highlighting time savings as a significant advantage. This reflects a broader trend in the public sector, where AI is seen as a tool to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and enhance overall productivity.
Despite the growing adoption of AI, the survey revealed critical gaps in governance and training. Nearly half of the respondents (48%) identified the lack of clear governance and ethical frameworks as the primary barrier to expanding AI usage. This challenge was more pronounced in defense agencies, where 57% of respondents cited a lack of proper data infrastructure as a top concern.
Additionally, training on AI use was found to be inconsistent across agencies. A third of respondents reported that their agencies had not provided any AI training in the past year, while only 22% received monthly training sessions. This lack of training is seen as a significant hurdle to the widespread adoption of AI, especially given the technology’s complexity and the need for responsible management.
As AI becomes increasingly central to government operations, agencies are placing a greater emphasis on attracting talent with AI expertise. According to the survey, more than half of the respondents (52%) are beginning to prioritize AI experience in job candidates, with 22% extensively seeking such skills. Defense agencies, in particular, are leading the charge, with 43% of respondents actively pursuing AI expertise in their recruitment efforts.
Interestingly, the survey also found that non-technical skills are highly valued in AI development. Critical thinking (32%) and strategic thinking (30%) were ranked as the top competencies for employees working in AI, highlighting the importance of judgment and decision-making in leveraging AI technologies effectively.
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