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Richard Davis
Chief Data Officer at Ofcom

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Empowering Government with Data & AI Literacy

September 2023

Summary

As data and artificial intelligence become increasingly integral to daily life, the need for data and AI literacy is vital, particularly within government agencies where these tools can improve efficiencies and outcomes. Richard Davis, Chief Data Strategy Officer at Ofcom, discussed the importance of data and AI literacy, emphasizing its role in enabling government organizations to make informed decisions and deliver value to stakeholders. The webinar highlighted Ofcom's mission to create a data-driven environment, with a focus on enhancing skills of employees and promoting a culture of data excellence. By building data literacy skills, Ofcom aims to improve efficiency, proactivity, and stakeholder relations. The session discussed the evolving nature of data strategies, the impact of generative AI, and the importance of cultural change in driving data literacy transformation. Richard Davis shared insights on developing a data strategy that aligns with organizational goals, the challenges of implementing AI in government, and the potential of generative AI to encourage innovation while emphasizing the need for responsible use and risk management.

Key Takeaways:

Data and AI literacy are vital for government agencies to improve efficiencies and deliver better outcomes.
Ofcom's data strategy focuses on enhancing skills of employees and promoting a culture of data excellence.
Generative AI has significant potential for innovation but requires careful risk management.
Cultural change and mindset shifts are essential for successful data literacy transformation.
Responsible use of data and AI is key, with ethics policies playing a vital role in government agencies.

Deep Dives

Importance of Data and AI Literacy

Data and AI literacy are be ...
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coming increasingly vital as these technologies become integral to daily life. According to Richard Davis, building data and AI literacy within government agencies can significantly enhance their ability to deliver value to stakeholders. Ofcom's efforts focus on creating a data-driven environment where employees are equipped to utilize data's potential. This involves not only enhancing skills of data professionals but also empowering non-data colleagues to interpret and use data effectively. Davis emphasized the importance of making data literacy accessible to all employees, stating, "It's not the data professionals we're talking about, but every single colleague that works in Ofcom." By promoting data literacy, organizations can improve efficiencies, make proactive decisions, and improve stakeholder relations.

Ofcom's Data Strategy and Cultural Transformation

Ofcom's data strategy aims to create a culture of data excellence by focusing on enhancing skills of employees and promoting a proactive data culture. The strategy is built around four pillars: data culture, data delivery, data excellence, and data platforms. Davis highlighted the importance of aligning the strategy with organizational goals, noting that it must address not only how data is delivered but also what it delivers. The strategy's success relies on creating a common data language and encouraging a mindset shift across the organization. Davis explained, "Cultural change is a big aspect of driving data and AI literacy transformation, especially within government." By promoting a shared understanding of data, Ofcom aims to enhance decision-making processes and improve efficiency.

Generative AI and Its Impact on Data Literacy

The rise of generative AI has significantly impacted data literacy programs, providing new opportunities and challenges. Davis discussed how generative AI has sparked interest and engagement, helping to sell the vision of what a data strategy can achieve. However, he also cautioned about potential distractions, emphasizing that not all AI applications require generative AI solutions. Ofcom is exploring various use cases for generative AI, from coding assistance to document summarization, while ensuring responsible use through risk-controlled pilots. Davis noted the importance of adapting quality assurance processes to address the unique challenges posed by large language models.

Responsible Use and Risk Management in AI

Ensuring the responsible use of AI is vital for government agencies, with ethics policies playing a critical role. Ofcom emphasizes the need for an ethics policy that considers the societal impacts of data and AI use. Davis highlighted the importance of program management and project management in mitigating risks and enabling faster delivery of data projects. By reframing data governance as a means to take managed risks, Ofcom aims to encourage innovation while maintaining control over potential issues. This approach allows for the effective deployment of AI technologies, balancing innovation with ethical considerations.