Data analysis, project management for AI, and infrastructure management are among the top skills agency leaders say they need to develop to move AI pilot projects to production
There’s a lot that’s been said about prepping government data for AI. One of the top ways leaders are working to achieve that goal is “expanding workforce training on data management and AI.”
That’s according to a survey of 200 government leaders conducted by ICF and Wakefield Research. The survey found 70% of respondents “acknowledged that they will need to upskill existing staff and/or hire new talent to implement AI effectively.”
What’s more, “58% say they either have – or can develop – the skills necessary for AI implementation without hiring additional staff.” That 58% figure is a combination of two findings:
- 31% said their agency has the skills needed now; and
- 27% said, “yes, if we upskill our current team.”
The survey report notes that “training efforts are already underway, with 36% of agencies actively investing in workforce education.”
The 6 skills government leaders say they need for AI
In a follow-up question, the survey asked respondents: Which specific skills does your agency need to enhance to successfully implement AI initiatives?
Here’s how the answers stacked up:
- 47% identified “data analysis and interpretation”;
- 41% identified “project management for AI initiatives”;
- 40% identified “cloud computing and infrastructure management”;
- 39% identified “cybersecurity and data privacy”;
- 36% identified “ethical AI and regulatory compliance”; and
- 35% identified “machine learning and AI development.”
Among the recommended next steps, the report suggests pairing “subject-matter experts with technologists to apply AI tools in context, adapt workflows, and accelerate innovation and outcomes.”
(Click for a larger image)
* * *
Intelliworx has been providing purpose-built software to the federal government for 20 years and currently serves 40+ federal government agencies. The company is a certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) and is FedRAMP-authorized.
Contact us for a no-obligation demo.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
Federal CDO-CIO relationships are driving a data-centric culture
