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By Thuong (Annie) Bui July 5, 2024

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is no longer just a futuristic idea! It is here, and it is ready to revolutionize how government agencies serve their communities. But are you ready yet?

Similar to other new technologies in the past, e.g. internet, email, big data, or social media, adopting GenAI comes with some significant hurdles as local governments prepare to embrace this digital shift. One of these challenges is the skill gap, which goes hand in hand with concerns about job displacement. Unlike traditional AI, which may require complex programming, GenAI introduces a new skill set: prompt engineering.

To prepare for the AI-ready workforce, instead of competing in a tight job market for specialized prompt engineers, government organizations could consider investing in their current employees by upskilling programs. Just as learning basic office software has become essential, I believe prompt engineering will soon be vital as GenAI becomes the new normal in our daily operations.

How important is prompt engineering in local governments?

Think of GenAI as your new, highly capable personal assistant, ready to assist with your mountain of tasks and solve your problems. However, just like any work relationship, effective communication is the key to success. This is where prompt engineering comes in. This skill enables you to convey instructions clearly, ensuring that your assistant, GenAI, understands you correctly and delivers the desired outcome.

Prompt engineering involves crafting, refining and optimizing contextual inputs that direct GenAI algorithms to produce desired outputs. Proficient prompt engineering skills require organized, critical thinking with a thorough understanding of the underlying principles of model capacities and its tendencies. Mastering this skill can help us to avoid biased results, fabricated information (hallucinations), or generic responses from a wide range of GenAI applications including large language models like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude; to image generation tools such as Lensa AI, DALL-E, Midjourney and Stable Diffusion; as well as specialized applications like Microsoft Copilot and Julius AI, among others.

In local governments, where decisions must be timely, data-driven and held to the highest standards of accuracy and accountability, expertise in this skill set is not just beneficialit is essential! By focusing on developing this skill for internal employees through upskilling programs, local governments can equip their staff with the necessary competence to navigate the rapidly evolving GenAI landscape. Moreover, these training initiatives also create a sense of ownership and responsibility among employees towards the ethical use of GenAI tools.

How to create an effective and inclusive upskilling program?

Effective training programs involve more than just collaboration with technology firms and academic institutions to develop content that aligns with organizational needs. They must also create an inclusive environment that caters to all employees, from tech novices to advanced users, through active learning and practical workshops. Here is a detailed five-step guide for implementing upskilling programs in local governments:

Prompt engineering is not merely a technical skill. It is a strategic capability that enhances how local governments interact with and leverage GenAI technologies. By proactively investing in comprehensive upskilling programs and creating a culture of continuous improvement, local governments can ensure that their workforce is well-prepared for the AI era. Now is your turn! Invest in your employees through targeted upskilling in prompt engineering and turn the challenges of today into the achievements of tomorrow.

Authors Bio: Annie Bui is a Doctoral Candidate in Public Administration major, where her research focus on the integration of GenAI in Local Governments. She is the current President of Student Public Administration Association (SPAA) at University of La Verne. At the same time, she works for Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a non-profit organization funded by Small Business Administration, provides zero cost one-on-one consulting services to entrepreneurs for their new and existing businesses.

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Embracing Generative AI in Local Governments: Prompt Engineering and Upskilling - PA TIMES Online | PA TIMES ... - PA Times