How AI shaped government innovation in 2024 and what it means for next year

AI’s growing influence in government technology: The year 2024 saw artificial intelligence making significant inroads across various sectors of government technology, with both promising developments and challenges emerging.

• Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest in the U.S., launched an AI-powered individualized learning platform in March, showcasing the potential of AI in education.
• The district’s implementation faced setbacks when the company behind the student adviser chatbot “Ed” encountered severe financial difficulties, highlighting the fragility of some AI initiatives.
• AI’s impact extended beyond education, affecting areas such as accessibility, cybersecurity, government experience, and public safety.

Key trends in government technology for 2024:

• Accessibility improvements: State and local governments focused on enhancing the accessibility of digital services to ensure equal access for all citizens.
• Cybersecurity challenges: Critical infrastructure sectors remained a primary concern for cybersecurity efforts, with governments working to protect vulnerable systems.
• Education technology developments: The education sector grappled with the implications of generative AI, cybersecurity issues, and appropriate technology use in classrooms.
• Digital service expansion: State and local governments continued to prioritize the expansion of digital services to improve citizen engagement and streamline operations.
• Public safety technology adoption: Amid staffing shortages, law enforcement and emergency services increasingly turned to technology solutions to fill gaps and enhance their capabilities.

AI in education: A case study in potential and pitfalls:

• Superintendent Alberto Carvalho of Los Angeles Unified School District emphasized the power of AI and comprehensive data in personalizing education for students, teachers, and parents.
• The district’s AI-powered learning platform aimed to create individualized action plans for improved educational outcomes.
• However, the financial troubles of the company behind the “Ed” chatbot forced the district to discontinue that aspect of the project, illustrating the risks associated with relying on emerging technologies.

Broader implications for government technology:

• The widespread adoption of AI across various government sectors indicates a growing recognition of its potential to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
• The challenges faced by early adopters, such as the Los Angeles Unified School District, serve as valuable lessons for other government entities considering AI implementation.
• As AI continues to evolve, government agencies will need to carefully balance innovation with risk management and ensure the reliability and sustainability of their technology partners.

Looking ahead to 2025:

• Governments are likely to continue exploring AI applications while developing more robust frameworks for evaluating and implementing these technologies.
• Cybersecurity will remain a top priority, with increased focus on protecting critical infrastructure and government systems from evolving threats.
• The expansion of digital services is expected to accelerate, driven by citizen demand and the need for more efficient government operations.

Navigating the AI landscape: As government agencies navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape, they will need to remain agile, learning from both successes and setbacks to harness the technology’s potential while mitigating risks and ensuring equitable access to services for all citizens.