NASCIO Survey Exposes the Hard Data Truths of AI Adoption

A new National Association of State CIOs survey of 46 states highlights the increasing recognition of the impact of AI and generative AI on data management, with 95 percent of respondents acknowledging its growing importance.

However, there’s a disconnect: Only 22 percent have implemented a dedicated data quality program.
“This report demonstrates that there is a clear imperative for state leaders to implement data quality programs on the path to successful AI integration,” said Doug Robinson, NASCIO’s executive director. “Creating a data-centric culture within state CIO offices will help leaders identify patterns that will drive innovation and improve the quality of citizen services.”

The survey asked respondents to rank their state government’s knowledge in each data management area based on the amount of effort or focus allocated toward each. While data governance and business intelligence are top priorities, other areas such as metadata and master data management receive the least focus.

In response to the survey results, NASCIO suggests states move to apply robust metadata and data-cataloging capabilities to provide transparency about where the data came from, if it was changed and how it’s used. A comprehensive data inventory, they argue, is a cornerstone of any successful data quality program.

The survey also exposed a skills gap: While most agencies have data analysts focused on extracting insights, far fewer employ data stewards or data literacy managers. This suggests a prioritization of analysis over essential tasks of data safeguarding and ensuring data ethics.

NASCIO also suggested in the report that states should have a data governance and supporting operating model, and should set data quality standards at the point of data creation. The organization also recommends states provide data literacy training to foster a shared sense of accountability and data-driven culture.

The survey noted that there is movement to formalize data and AI policies — specifically recognizing that Ohio has introduced a policy governing AI use, while Hawaii is unveiling a data and AI strategy.

The full report can be viewed here.