Cybersecurity is the area where governments are using artificial intelligence the most, according to a new national survey.
Artificial Intelligence in Public Administration IT Operationsreleased earlier this week by the National Association of State Technology Directors (NASTD), documents findings from 42 states on AI feelings and plans. NASTD represents IT professionals in all 50 states.
Overall, States adopt varied approaches in terms of responsible progress of AI, working groups has sandbox environments. And even as governments tackle the rapid advance of AI, it is essential to recognize that AI is already widely used in agencies.
The survey was distributed in May to central IT authorities in 50 states using questions developed by the NASTD research committee. The eight states that did not respond were California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Oregon.
NASTD published Survey Results Tuesday before the group starts Annual Conference and Technology ShowcaseSunday through Wednesday in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Among the survey’s key findings, cybersecurity is the top internal government function in which respondents reported using AI; and it tops the list of use cases for how governments are using AI or plan to use it in the future.
The study also looked at awareness of the issues. According to the survey, more than half of respondents (67%) have taken inventory of their currently used AI applications, while 33% have not.
Among states using AI, 50% said they use chatbots, 36% use it for office productivity, and 26% use it for code development. Other uses mentioned by state officials include generating documents and images, as well as in promotional materials.
As one respondent said: “We have over 40 projects in the idea phase and are waiting for funding, approvals, trained staff and procurement.”
States that have not yet begun to establish preferred contract language for the use of AI in IT procurement may want to begin exploring it. More than half of responding states, or 62%, said they are developing such language, while only 9% have already done so. Nearly a third, or 29%, said they have not yet begun this work.
The survey highlighted various barriers to AI adoption cited by government officials, along with its perceived risk and limitations. Staff knowledge tops the list.
Respondents said that skills upgrading is a primary need to support state AI initiatives, followed by budgetary constraints. (Some states, including California And New Jerseyare already investing in AI training for government staff.)
Another notable finding is that the majority of respondents, 60%, said they have not yet partnered with other jurisdictions on AI-related initiatives. But for one government entity that has partnered with other entities, including state agencies, local governments, and higher education institutions, the respondent said, “Collaboration has been at the heart of our AI efforts… These discussions have resulted in concrete, actionable ideas and strategies.”
