Assessing the readiness of Sri Lankan government officials for the adoption of generative artificial intelligence technologies

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence technologies are sparking a revolution in the government sector, paving the way for smarter governance, streamlined public services, and a burst of innovation in how things are done. This study focuses on assessing the readiness of Sri Lankan government officials for adopting Generative Artificial Intelligence technologies, examining factors such as Awareness of Generative AI, Level of Exposure and Familiarity with Generative AI applications, Training and Skill development, Barriers to Generative AI adoption, Benefits of Generative AI, and the impact of Organizational Culture and Leadership. Data were collected through an online survey questionnaire, with responses from 206 officials across various government institutions, and analyzed using quantitative methods. The data analysis highlights the significant predictors of readiness for adopting Generative AI technologies: Level of Exposure and Familiarity with Generative AI applications, Training and Skill development, and Organizational culture and Leadership. The non-significant results for Awareness of Generative AI, Barriers to Generative AI Adoption, and Benefits of Generative AI suggest that while these factors might be conceptually important, they did not have a statistically significant impact within the context of this study. These insights indicate that enhancing practical exposure to AI technologies, developing relevant skills through comprehensive training programs, and fostering a supportive organizational culture and leadership are important for increasing the readiness for the adoption of Generative AI within the Sri Lankan government sector. The findings provide valuable guidance for policymakers and relevant government authorities, offering actionable strategies to facilitate the successful integration of Generative AI technologies into government operations. Such integration aims to improve public service delivery and governance by leveraging the potential of Generative AI.