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.
Frequent AI Use Across All Levels of Government
The EY Pulse Survey, conducted from June 5 to June 11, 2024, gathered insights from 445 senior government professionals. Over half of respondents (51%) reported using AI applications several times a week, with federal employees leading in daily use at 64%. Generative AI—used to create text, ideas, and other content—was the most common type of AI in use. Survey participants cited text summarization, preliminary research, and brainstorming as top use cases. Defense agencies were especially inclined to use AI for idea generation, showing how the technology supports innovation even in high-stakes sectors.
Clear Benefits: Efficiency and Creativity
Respondents overwhelmingly recognized AI’s benefits. About 71% said AI saves time, making their work more efficient. Another 62% credited AI with boosting creativity, while 61% said it freed them to focus on more complex tasks. Federal civilian workers were the most enthusiastic group, with 80% naming time savings as a key benefit. The findings reflect a growing belief across the public sector that AI can streamline operations, improve decisions, and elevate productivity.
Governance and Training Remain Key Barriers
Despite growing adoption, 48% of respondents identified the absence of clear governance and ethical frameworks as the biggest challenge to expanding AI use. This concern was even higher in defense agencies, where 57% cited weak data infrastructure as a primary limitation. Training gaps also persist. One-third of participants said their agency had not provided any AI-related training in the past year, while only 22% reported receiving monthly sessions. The inconsistency highlights the difficulty of preparing employees to use AI responsibly and effectively.
Workforce Transformation and Emerging Skill Demands
As AI becomes embedded in government operations, agencies are prioritizing new skills. More than half of respondents (52%) said their organizations now seek candidates with AI experience, and 22% are actively hiring for those skills. Defense agencies lead the trend, with 43% recruiting specifically for AI expertise. Interestingly, technical proficiency isn’t the only requirement. Respondents ranked critical thinking (32%) and strategic thinking (30%) as the most valuable non-technical skills in AI-related work. These competencies help ensure that employees can apply sound judgment in developing and managing AI systems.
Moving Forward
The EY survey paints a clear picture of both progress and growing pains in the public sector’s AI journey. While government professionals recognize AI’s transformative potential, agencies must strengthen governance frameworks and expand training to ensure responsible, effective adoption.
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If you have questions or concerns about how to navigate the global AI regulatory landscape, don’t hesitate to reach out to BABL AI. Their Audit Experts can offer valuable insight, and ensure you’re informed and compliant.
