As technology rapidly changes and AI tools and usage increase, there is an opportunity for museums to harness AI, both to improve access to their expansive collections and to improve the visitor experience. For example, the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex, holds unparalleled collections, totaling over 157 million artifacts, of which only 1% are on display.
Deepfakes are no longer a distant thought but a real-life danger to emergency communications. A fake video of a mayor ordering an evacuation or a cloned voice posing as a 911 dispatcher can derail crisis responses and incite public panic in an instant. Fabricated alerts strike at the core of emergency management by undermining the clear and trusted communications that responders and citizens rely on.
Data literacy has become a core capability for Government agencies seeking to improve informed decision-making, accountability, and public trust. As agencies manage increasingly complex programs and growing volumes of data, empowering staff at all levels to understand and use data is essential to mission success. Building a culture of data literacy calls for intentional investments in access, skills, governance, and incentives. These five steps outline practical, proven ways agencies can strengthen data literacy and embed data-driven practices across their workforce.
Every neighborhood has untapped skills and resources that become critical during an emergency. Consider the street you live on. Do you know which of your neighbors has medical expertise? If someone owns a generator? Or if anyone can operate a ham radio? Having this information will help your community respond more effectively during the first hours of a disaster, when emergency services are often stretched thin and may not reach everyone immediately.
As the fast-paced evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to rapidly transform how organizations operate, Government leaders face immense opportunities and increased risks. By taking the following actions, leaders can position their agencies to harness AI’s benefits while safeguarding public trust.
More than one in four Americans have a disability according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Federal compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 increases the reach of Government by making Federal programs and resources accessible to all. To achieve 508 compliance, digital products must adhere to industry-wide standards for color contrast, alternate text, and PDF tags. 508 compliance is about more than just adhering to regulations – it gives everyone a fair chance to apply for benefits and stay informed.
Combating human trafficking requires sensitivity to the experiences of victims, whose trauma and fear can make identification and cooperation especially challenging. Significant resources and coordination must be managed across jurisdictions for law enforcement agencies and non-profit organizations to detect and investigate these complex crimes. Because of the significant resources and energy required, small and local jurisdictions often lack the capacity to identify, investigate, and prosecute these crimes.
Disaster management is a complex undertaking, one that requires smooth operation across all levels of the Government. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) works with a network of emergency managers and other stakeholders before, during, and after natural disasters, including state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) Government agencies. Each SLTT agency’s circumstances are unique, including their knowledge base, budget, resources, and relationships with other Government agencies.
Strong border security measures depend on earning the public’s trust and therefore, public cooperation. Recent updates to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) procedures highlight how small adjustments can have significant impact when it comes to building this trust. Changes such as eliminating the need for passengers to remove shoes or laptops under certain conditions not only reduce delays but also demonstrate responsiveness to the concerns of travelers. These shifts improve efficiency while sending a message: Security can adapt to meet both safety requirements and public expectations.
Federal agencies face an unprecedented challenge – deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ways that tangibly enhance mission delivery instead of simply following technology trends. While people are talking about the features and size of the latest AI large language models (LLM), they are asking the wrong questions.
Strategy is a set of decisions about what an organization will – and will not – do to achieve its goals. The larger the organization, the more challenging it is to implement a strategy. A clear, well-understood strategy helps focus resources and effort on an organization’s most important priorities. Culture, however, is the key to making strategy happen, especially in large, complex organizations like the Federal Government.
Effective communication is essential for Government program leaders, especially when conveying complex or mission-critical information to stakeholders. While traditional methods like written or spoken updates can fall short, infographics offer a powerful alternative by making data more accessible, memorable, and engaging. By mastering the key principles of infographics in storytelling, leaders can transform stakeholder communication. Using well-crafted infographics not only enhances clarity but also drives stronger project outcomes.
In today’s global landscape – shaped by increased migration, globalization, and evolving security concerns – agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) must balance national security with the efficient processing of individuals entering the country lawfully. To manage risk and maintain security, CBP can continue to prioritize the needs of travelers who must enter the country quickly by taking a human-centered approach.
