Generative AI in Public Sector Software Engineering

This report examines the role of generative AI (Gen AI) in software engineering within the public sector, two years after its introduction by OpenAI. It discusses findings from a survey conducted by the Capgemini Research Institute, which included over 1,000 senior executives and software professionals. The report identifies key questions regarding the impact of Gen AI on software, strategies for its governance, and its application in public sector organizations. It outlines the benefits of Gen AI, such as improved productivity, job satisfaction, and enhanced collaboration between teams. The report also highlights challenges specific to the public sector, including code security, regulatory compliance, and legacy system modernization. Despite these challenges, the report indicates a strong interest in Gen AI, with predictions of significant adoption growth by 2026. The findings suggest that starting small with Gen AI initiatives can build confidence and pave the way for broader implementation in public sector software development.