The Chief Data Officer (CDO) role was established by Congress to support federal agencies in leveraging vast amounts of data as a strategic asset, while also ensuring quality, accessibility, and usefulness for decision-making. But the story of the federal CDOs is taking a fascinating turn as their role evolves to encompass a new frontier: artificial intelligence (AI).
The expansion of the CDO reflects the fundamental role of high-quality, trustworthy data in the development, deployment, and integration of high-quality, trustworthy AI tools. Sound data governance and management practices – already clearly under the purview of the CDO – are integral to ensuring the data that feed AI models are reliable and accessible.
AI adoption gathering speed
2023 witnessed a surge in AI adoption among CDOs. The Data Foundation’s 2023 Survey of Federal Chief Officers identified that over 55% of CDOs are already leveraging basic or advanced AI, and 95% are considering adopting AI technology over the coming year. Compared to survey data from 2022, when 45% of CDOs reported having no AI responsibilities at all, these findings present a powerful statistic. This increase is likely in part motivated by the rapid gain in momentum around AI development, spiking interest among the general public, industry, and government, but also a strategic move fueled by the potential of AI to enhance government efficiency and services.
Federal AI activities began in 2019 with the requirement of AI use case inventories and AI strategies, and continued with the development of a Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, an AI Risk Management Framework, and the Biden Administration’s Executive Order requiring a multitude of actions to support safe, trustworthy AI across government. Though this work is fueling aspirations of efficiency, progress, and better government services, much uncertainty still exists – particularly for data leaders exploring how the CDO role can lend its invaluable expertise for building trustworthy, safe AI.
Progress despite roadblocks
Uncertainty surrounding CDO roles and concerns about resource limitations creates hesitancy in the data community as CDOs embark on a journey into the ever-evolving world of AI. The lack of clarity in the CDO role related to AI presents a key challenge for the CDOs, with 48% of CDOs in the Data Foundation’s 2023 survey pointing to lack of clear guidance when asked about barriers to AI adoption – and some explicitly citing “fear of AI.” Yet, CDOs demonstrate remarkable commitment to the CDO mission.
CDO offices that indicated having limited resources are exploring AI infrastructure or using basic tools. CDO offices that reported having “a little” or “not at all” of the resources necessary to achieve their missions, 90% are developing AI infrastructure or using AI already. Nascent CDO offices, with tenures of two years or less, are stepping up to the challenge at similar or higher rates as more established CDO offices. Seventy-five percent of CDO offices that have existed for less than a year are using AI, and 88% of CDO offices that have existed for 1 to 2 years reported they are either developing infrastructure (25%) or using basic AI (63%).
CDOs dedicating limited resources to AI questions highlights a commitment to meeting the needs of the evolving data landscape. The Data Foundation’s 2023 CDO survey reveals insights into how CDOs are fostering data accessibility and usability, laying the foundation for an ethical and responsible AI ecosystem – and from this evidence, CDOs are poised to get more involved. CDOs are starting 2024 focused on building infrastructure, exploring machine learning, cloud computing for AI advancements, leveraging AI for improving security, and building out efficiencies.
Beyond the statistics
It’s not just numbers. Looking beyond the survey to see stories of action, CDOs are providing evidence of how they are actively bridging the gap in clarity and resources to approach the AI frontier. CDOs across various federal agencies are taking steps to integrate data governance efforts and AI adoption by facilitating organizational alignment and pushing forward on AI innovation.
At the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Assistant CDO is tasked with leading the Department’s work to address cross-cutting strategic questions using data analysis and advanced data analytics techniques, including with machine learning, neural networks, and other forms of artificial intelligence. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is leveraging neural networks as part of a broader group spearheaded by its CDO to connect various laws, regulations, policy strategies, and metrics to improve awareness and coordination across the Department’s various workstreams.
In 2022, the Defense Department moved to integrate the Chief Data Officer Office with AI work to create the Office of the Chief Data and AI Officer (CDAO). CDAO leads innovative work across Defense components, coordinating a data and AI adoption strategy, developing digital and AI solutions to scale, and serving as a “de facto data and digital response force.” The Department of Commerce also made organizational changes to support AI. The Department launched the AI and Open Government Data Assets Working Group within its Data Governance Board chaired by the Chief Data Officer, and the CDO further tapped a Director of Policy and AI Strategy that directly supports the office’s work related to AI.
At the Department of State, the CDO oversees the Department’s “Data-Informed Diplomacy” goals through its Enterprise Data Strategy, which serves as the foundation for the Department’s Enterprise AI Strategy – a strategy that depends on “a shift in the Department’s data and AI culture to create sustainable change.” The CDO’s work has also started to explicitly focus on “data’s role in crisis management and leveraging technology and analytic resources, such as AI tools.”
The inter-agency Chief Data Officers Council showcases collaboration and knowledge sharing among its members to contribute to safe, trustworthy AI adoption – from its work on synthetic data generation and use and public discussions on the inherent connection between data management and AI development and adoption to its various working groups and resources that explore high-quality, innovatie data practices.
These are just a few chapters in an unfolding saga. This is the story of CDOs – not just as data managers, but as AI champions. It's a story of navigating a new frontier with the potential to reshape the future of government.
Paving a way forward
High-quality data enable high-quality AI tools. Ensuring CDOs have the clarity they need, bolstering resources, and promoting an AI ecosystem that places CDOs at the table will be crucial for the safe, secure, and trustworthy adoption of AI across the federal government.
While the road ahead may have its twists and turns, one thing is clear: CDOs are embracing the challenge and paving the way for a more efficient and data-driven government. The story behind the statistics is the story of AI adoption among CDOs. The journey of the CDOs is one worth following, for it reflects not just technological advancements, but also their adaptability and dedication to progress.
Note: This blog post was created with the assistance of an AI tool. The AI did not independently write or publish this post. The author takes full responsibility for reviewing, editing, and approving the final content.
