AI in Government: IBM report maps path to ethical and efficient transformation

A new report, Navigating Generative AI in Government, published by the IBM Centre for the Business of Government, highlights generative AI’s transformative potential within government agencies, though it also warns that successful implementation requires careful planning and robust governance frameworks.

The report outlines 11 strategic pathways aimed at helping public sector leaders responsibly integrate AI technologies to improve decision-making, enhance operational efficiency, and bolster public engagement. 

For government CIOs and IT executives, the report underscores data quality, ethical governance, and workforce readiness as foundational pillars for AI success, signalling a shift in how public agencies can harness AI to achieve strategic outcomes.

Key findings include the need for adaptive governance models tailored to rapidly evolving AI technologies, which ensure compliance and maintain public trust. The report also emphasises a robust data infrastructure as essential to secure and optimise data quality, integrity, and accessibility. 

Building an AI-ready workforce is another priority, addressing the skills gap in government and equipping public sector teams to handle both ethical considerations and technical applications of AI. 

Cristina Caballe, IBM’s Senior Partner and VP of Global Public Sector, highlighted AI's capacity to “revolutionize government agencies” by enabling them to deliver services more efficiently and effectively, while cautioning that a “thoughtful and effective AI strategy” is essential for safe and responsible implementation.

With public trust increasingly at stake, the report stresses the role of data ethics and transparency in AI deployments, recommending the establishment of dedicated AI governance offices to oversee compliance, prevent bias, and manage risks. By investing in data infrastructure and ethics-led governance, the report suggests that government agencies can navigate the complex ethical landscape of AI, safeguarding the public while leveraging AI’s capabilities for better, faster decision-making.