California Government Makes Big Push for Gen AI Public-Private Partnerships

California’s tech evolution: The state of California is seeking strategic, forward-looking alliances with the private sector to address emerging technological challenges and opportunities, particularly in areas like generative AI.

• California CIO Liana Bailey-Crimmins emphasized the need for relationships between the public and private sectors to move beyond transactional interactions and towards strategic partnerships.
• The state is actively challenging the status quo and is open to innovative ideas from industry partners to reshape how government technology functions.
• This shift in approach comes as emerging technologies, such as generative AI, continue to force new approaches and collaborations.

Generative AI initiatives: California has been actively exploring the potential of generative AI through various proof-of-concept projects initiated by Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order.

• These projects include using AI to improve roadway safety and efficiency, streamline health-care facility inspection documentation, enhance language access to critical services, and simplify navigation of state tax requirements.
• Bailey-Crimmins expressed confidence that the partnerships formed with industry, academia, and the federal government for these initiatives will continue to be valuable in the future.

Future-proofing priorities: The CIO outlined three main priorities for future-proofing organizations in the face of rapid technological advancements:

• Retaining public trust: Ensuring that new technologies are implemented in a way that maintains citizen confidence in government services.
• Modularity: Developing flexible, modular solutions that can be adapted and scaled across different departments and scenarios.
• Emerging technology readiness: Preparing the state’s infrastructure and workforce to effectively integrate and utilize new technologies as they emerge.

Cybersecurity challenges: California faces significant cybersecurity threats, with the state responding to over 2 billion malicious attacks weekly.

• To address this, the California Department of Technology (CDT) is exploring ways to streamline the process for departments to secure outside cybersecurity assistance from qualified vendors.
• A request for information has been issued to create an “easy button” within California Network and Telecommunications (CALNET) and the Office of Information Security (OIS) to expedite the procurement of security services.

Digital identity initiatives: The state is also focusing on improving citizen-facing digital services.

• Efforts are underway to develop digital ID and California “wallet” solutions that aim to streamline how residents interact with government services.
• These initiatives are part of a broader push to modernize and digitize government operations for improved efficiency and user experience.

Analyzing deeper: California’s proactive approach to technology partnerships and innovation signals a significant shift in how governments are approaching digital transformation. By actively seeking strategic alliances with the private sector and academia, the state is positioning itself at the forefront of technological advancement in the public sector. However, the success of these initiatives will largely depend on how effectively California can balance innovation with security, privacy concerns, and the need for inclusive access to digital services. As other states and countries observe California’s progress, this approach could potentially serve as a model for government-industry collaboration in the digital age.