Governments are entering an AI era where inaction comes with additional risks. Leaders worldwide are rapidly increasing AI investment to strengthen missions across defense, health, education, and citizen services. Yet major gaps in data readiness, skills, and governance threaten progress. This report shows how governments can transform AI into an instrument of progress that makes public employees thrive, build trust, and enhance national resilience— and outlines the urgent steps government leaders must take to prepare institutions, infrastructure, and workforces for an AI-driven future.

Key points:

• AI budgets are rising sharply, shifting toward generative and agentic AI.

• Only a fraction of government data is AI-ready or used today.

• Talent, governance, and trust are the biggest readiness gaps.

• Agentic AI will transform missions—from citizen services to emergency response.

• National AI resilience depends on education, infrastructure, and cybersecurity.

Read the full Government in the AI era report to learn how governments can operationalize AI, strengthen trust, and future-proof their workforce.