Roadmap to a more efficient government workforce: preparing for AI-powered PCs now

Roadmap to a more efficient government workforce: preparing for AI-powered PCs now
By Mary Ellen, Director of SLED Strategy

This year artificial intelligence (AI) made its first ever appearance on the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) annual State CIO Top Ten Policy and Technology Priorities, reflecting the enormous opportunity leaders see in AI’s ability to transform how the government operates and serves citizens. There is a workforce productivity use case that’s not getting nearly enough attention – AI-powered personal computers (PCs).

In contrast to a traditional PC, AI-powered PCs are built with a NPU, or neural processing unit, which handles AI and machine learning (ML) tasks directly on the device, instead of sending data to be processed in the cloud. Much like smart edge devices, this offers users powerful, personalized decision-making, lightning-fast facial recognition, seamless language translation and more. Nearly all the major PC makers are pledging to ship AI-ready PCs in 2024, followed by a wave of upgrades over the next two years. Intel even noted that “AI PCs represent a fundamental shift in how our computers operate.”

The applications for government workforce empowerment and citizen services are promising, but many experts caution that now may not be the time to go all in. However, there are actions state and local governments can take now in their AI journey to prepare to utilize the emerging technology in the near future.

Action #1: Prioritize your data foundation now

Like any AI offering, AI-powered PCs are only as valuable as the data they analyze. State technology leaders should ensure their data foundation is integrated, digitized, standardized and structured in order to effectively feed GenAI algorithms. With the data foundation in place, state and local governments can realize the full potential of AI PCs to deliver predictive and proactive citizen experience, seamless digital services, automated internal tasks, and more. In the era of AI PCs, digitized records with robust, structured data will be a crucial fundamental step in ensuring safe, accurate and effective AI algorithms.

Action #2: Start with safe experimentation

Although caution is warranted, state and local IT managers should look into buying a small supply of AI PCs before they become more mainstream. Gartner even forecasts that 22% of all PCs sold this year and 43% in 2025 will have AI features. Consider testing and experimenting with a handful of AI-powered units on use cases that could benefit from more local processing power, such as language translation. For example, state social workers often deal with large volumes of cases involving state-specific public assistance programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Medicaid. An AI-equipped PC can significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of tasks like evaluating applications, conducting interviews, and verifying documentation.

Action #3: Create a standardized approach to IT asset disposition

As many AI PCs are expected to drive a wave of upgrades over the next two years, state and local leaders should take e-waste challenges into account as part of the planning process. Many of the devices that will be replaced can be redeployed to internal functions that don't require the latest technology. When decommissioning the remaining devices, use the services of a respected IT asset disposition (ITAD) provider to ensure safe, secure, and environmentally sound disposition – and consider cultivating a circular economy with more sustainable options such as remarketing or donation rather than immediate disposal. Establishing a standardized process for these initiatives will ensure consistency across departments, eliminate risk, and help agencies stay environmentally conscious.

Action #4: Monitor solution roadmaps for continuous improvement

As this technology continues to emerge, leaders should keep an eye on what major software and systems companies are discussing as they roll out new units - especially with the companies they already have established procurement relationships with. By monitoring these announcements, leaders can identify advancements that could enhance their current AI initiatives and infrastructure as a whole. Leaders should consider establishing an internal task force of interested early adapters to collectively monitor trends around AI PCs, and AI in general, and collaborate on ways their organization can implement the emerging technology.

The future of AI PCs is right around the corner and now is the time for state and local leaders to start preparing for the new technology paradigm. Taking these actions now will only pave the road for seamless adoption of AI PCs in the years ahead.