AI maturity in the public sector

Artificial intelligence (AI) and unstructured data are reshaping industries by providing new opportunities for efficiency and growth. In the public sector, AI and unstructured data go hand in hand, with many already making use of the combination. However, few have concrete processes in place to unlock the true potential. Shifting the focus from standalone AI capabilities to AI with unstructured data will allow for improved efficiency, strengthened decision-making, and a greater value to customers. With the growing push from government initiatives, the ability to make this transformation is gaining momentum within organizations.

Findings are based on research conducted by Iron Mountain alongside independent market research specialist Vanson Bourne. Data in this report is based on 212 IT and data decision-makers in the public sector excluding healthcare, who have knowledge or involvement in their AI strategy. You can read the global report

Three key takeaways:

• The public sector is turning to AI to reduce costs and overhead (61%)
• Fewer public sector organizations are more advanced with their AI maturity when compared to the global average (35% vs a 40% global average), with more than half looking to scale IT capabilities to see improved AI value
• Unstructured data is widely used within the sector, yet improvements need to be made for organizations to experience its true value
  • 80% often leverage unstructured through AI tools (compared to a 74% global average)
  • But 74% report they’re not highly effective at making their unstructured data trustworthy for AI applications

Iron Mountain commissioned independent market research specialist Vanson Bourne to conduct this piece of research. The study included surveying 1,400 IT and data decision-makers who have knowledge of or responsibility for AI strategy at their organization. Respondents’ organizations had to have 250 employees or more across the following countries: US, UK, France, Germany, India and Australia.

Organizations are from several public and private sectors but there was a strong focus in banking and financial services, insurance, healthcare and life sciences, media and entertainment, the public sector (excluding healthcare) and energy. This summary is based off 212 decision-makers in the public sector.