It’s hard to believe that ChatGPT debuted only two years ago. This sparked a revolution in using automation and AI adoption across both public and private sectors to drive efficiency and innovation.
At the Dell Technologies Forum held in November in Dallas, I sat down with IT leaders from the city of Fort Worth, Texas, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and the University of Texas System. We explored the challenges and opportunities AI offers to public sector organizations, the intersection of technology and governance, and innovative strategies for fostering AI-driven advancements.
Thoughtful and Strategic AI Adoption
All three leaders emphasized the importance of a measured, thoughtful approach to AI adoption.
Sallie Trotter, deputy CTO of Fort Worth, explained that Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. We have been a longtime strategic IT partner, helping the city establish an IT foundation capable of supporting AI and other emerging technologies.
She highlighted how the city is carefully exploring AI tools for critical areas like stormwater management, public interaction, IT processes, and cybersecurity. While AI’s potential is immense, Sallie stressed the need to weigh cost benefit analysis and appropriate use for public benefit, including ethical considerations and scale solutions to fit growing urban environments.
Similarly, Scott Willett, executive director for the University of Texas System and Kendra Ketchum, vice president for Information Management and Technology at University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), discussed how educational institutions are using AI tools to enhance efficiency without rushing adoption. They pointed out that successful integration requires understanding institutional needs and taking a balanced, deliberate approach.
Collaboration and Connectivity are Essential
Another recurring theme was the power of collaboration between cities, universities and private institutions to drive AI advancements.
Kendra shared UTSA and Dell are developing an environment designed to introduce innovative AI-driven capabilities and services that will transform both student experiences and campus operations.
This AI ecosystem is intended to streamline processes such as enrollment, class registration and financial aid applications, making them more efficient and user-friendly. Furthermore, Kendra and UTSA are looking at how AI can enhance the student journey by offering personalized academic and career path recommendations, improving communication with faculty and staff and providing tailored support services. These advancements can empower students at every stage of their education.
She also underscored the importance of collaboration and tapping your network, regularly meeting with local IT leaders from both the public and private sectors to discuss best practices.
Sallie and Scott echoed this sentiment. Sallie emphasized that fostering connections between cities could accelerate innovation. Scott, whose team supports more than a dozen universities in Texas, including UTSA, meets quarterly with academic CIOs to discuss needs, resources and the desired user experiences these leaders want from AI tools. Building these collaborative ecosystems is a critical factor in realizing AI’s potential.
Ensuring Governance and Safety in AI
The panelists also discussed the pivotal role of governance and security in adopting AI responsibly.
Kendra emphasized the need for strong guidelines and responsible-use policies, sharing how UTSA requires faculty and staff to adhere to structured frameworks to safeguard data and uphold ethical AI practices across operations.
Scott, whose team is in the process of developing an AI environment with Dell, expanded on this. UT System aims to provide the infrastructure and resources needed for all universities in the system to implement AI all available “as-a-service.” As a part of this initiative, Scott discussed the importance of building secure AI systems, such as private AI sandboxes, to protect sensitive information while enabling innovation. When he meets with academic CIOs from the UT System, governance is a critical part of those conversations.
Sallie highlighted the ethical and moral considerations surrounding AI, particularly in ensuring its use aligns with public trust and avoids unintended consequences like misinformation or biased decision-making. She also noted challenges in balancing advancements with privacy concerns, especially in areas such as public safety and surveillance.
Together, the speakers advocated for transparency, proactive policy development and collaboration to address emerging risks and establish robust governance mechanisms, ensuring AI systems are both secure and equitable in serving their stakeholders.
Final Thoughts and Takeaways
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, AI’s potential to transform public sector services is immense. The insights gathered from the diverse leaders at the Dell Technologies Forum highlighted a shared commitment to thoughtful and responsible AI adoption.
By balancing innovation with ethics, fostering collaboration across sectors, and prioritizing robust governance and security frameworks, public sector organizations can harness AI to enhance efficiency, equity and community engagement.
As we look to this next year, strategic public-private collaborations will be key in realizing AI’s full promise. The success of AI in the public domain will rely on a continued focus on transparency, responsible practices and inclusive conversations about its impacts and opportunities. Aligned with our core mission to create technologies that drive human progress, we are empowering these public sector customers in delivering innovative AI services that meet the needs of their communities.
