AI or Die: Transforming Government for a New Era of Technological Hyperintelligence
Buckle up for a thrilling journey through innovation, ethics, and ambition as we unlock the promise—and confront the perils—of an AI-driven government.
In the shadow of towering bureaucracies and the hum of outdated systems, a revolution is brewing—one powered not by human hands alone, but by the boundless potential of AI.
Imagine a world where government doesn’t just react to crises but anticipates them, where red tape unravels at the speed of thought, and where every citizen’s voice is heard and understood with precision no human institution could ever achieve.
This is not a distant utopia; it’s the frontier we stand on today. Transforming Government for a New Era plunges into the heart of this transformation, exploring how the fusion of cutting-edge technology and public service is rewriting the rules of governance.
AI or Die
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic aspiration—it’s now an operational necessity in government. In the feature video: “Modernizing Government: The EY Insight,” filmed at the EY Center for Government Modernization in Washington, DC, Francis Rose explores how AI is driving transformation across federal agencies.
Segment one features Amy Jones, EY’s U.S. Public Sector AI Lead, who unpacks the evolving risk-reward mindset shaping AI deployment.
In segment two, Jones is joined by Charles Worthington, Chief Technology Officer and Chief AI Officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs, to dive into how VA is implementing generative AI tools like VA GPT at scale. Together, they outline not just the technology—but the culture shift—required to fully embed AI into government workflows.
From predictive policing to personalized healthcare, from streamlined tax systems to real-time disaster response, AI is no longer a tool—it’s the architect of a bold new future. But with great power comes greater questions: How do we wield this force without losing our humanity? And critically, which intelligences do we trust to lead the charge?
The Cost of Inaction
The risks of falling behind are catastrophic. Economically, nations without AI leadership will hemorrhage jobs to automation-savvy competitors. Militarily, they’ll be outclassed by adversaries wielding autonomous drones and predictive warfare models. Socially, they’ll lose the trust of citizens who demand efficiency and security in an AI-driven world.
Yet, adoption isn’t a free pass. Governments must navigate ethical minefields—bias in algorithms, privacy erosion, and the specter of autonomous weapons. The EU’s 2024 AI Act, a pioneering regulatory framework, shows how governments can balance innovation with accountability. But regulation without investment is a half-measure. The U.S., for instance, allocated $20 billion for AI research in 2025—significant, but dwarfed by China’s spending.
The Path Forward: Act or Perish
Governments must act decisively. First, invest heavily in AI research and infrastructure—public-private partnerships can accelerate progress without ceding control to corporations. Second, train a workforce fluent in AI, from coders to policymakers. Singapore’s AI apprenticeship programs, training 10,000 workers annually, are a model. Third, prioritize ethical frameworks to ensure AI serves the public, not just the powerful.
The clock is ticking. AI isn’t a luxury—it’s survival. Governments that hesitate will find themselves outmanoeuvred, outsmarted, and out of time. In this new world order, it’s AI or die.
