GenAI in the Public Sector: Trends, Risks, and Opportunities

Last week, we had the incredible opportunity to speak directly with decision-makers from across Canada’s GLAM sector (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) at a national community of interest forum.

We focused on a timely and urgent topic:
Generative AI in the Public Sector – Trends, Risks, and Opportunities

This blog details what we talked about.

As the world accelerates into the AI-powered future, government institutions are at a pivotal crossroads. Generative AI (Gen AI) isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a transformative force that’s reshaping how public entities serve, educate, and engage communities. The question is no longer if the public sector should adopt AI, but how to do so responsibly, inclusively, and effectively.

At ENGR Solutions, we help governments and mission-driven organizations put AI to work, strategically, ethically, and with lasting impact.

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The AI Revolution Is Already Underway

Across Canada and around the globe, public sector institutions, especially those in the GLAM space (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums), are turning to AI for smarter operations, deeper engagement, and expanded accessibility.

In these spaces, AI being deployed for:

• Digitization & Archiving at Scale – Automating labor-intensive processes to preserve cultural heritage faster and more accurately.
• AI-Powered Collections & Visitor Engagement – Enabling personalized, immersive experiences in museums and libraries.
• Improving Operational & Administrative Efficiencies – Streamlining administrative workflows with AI-powered insights.
• Accessibility and Inclusion – Bridging language, sensory, and digital literacy gaps to better serve all citizens.

Opportunities are Huge, But So Are the Risks 

With great potential comes serious responsibility. Public institutions that implement Gen AI must navigate a landscape rich with opportunity but also fraught with risk.

Three major risk categories stand out:

1. Misinformation, Privacy & Trust
   AI systems can amplify inaccuracies if not rigorously validated. In a public sector context, misinformation can erode public trust.
2. Ethical Bias & Cultural Exclusion
   Models trained on unrepresentative datasets risk marginalizing underrepresented groups, especially in contexts involving culture and identity.
3. Environmental Impact
   Large AI systems consume substantial energy. Institutions must balance innovation with sustainability.

At ENGR Solutions, we build strategies that address these risks head-on with strong data governance, transparency protocols, and ethical frameworks tailored for public service.

Success Requires Upskilling and Leadership

AI transformation isn’t just a technical challenge, it’s a leadership challenge. Public servants need the tools and confidence to make informed, responsible decisions about AI adoption.

From our work with clients of the last few years, we observed successful implementation follows a predictable lifecycle:
Strategy → Education → Pilot & Testing → Launch → Success

We’ve designed our services to walk alongside institutions through each stage. From executive workshops to hands-on technical training, we equip teams to deploy AI safely and effectively, without becoming dependent on external consultants.

Partner With ENGR Solutions

We are more than consultants, we are your AI transformation partners.

✔️ Strategy & Policy Guidance
✔️ AI Literacy & Workforce Training
✔️ Pilot Design & Technical Implementation
✔️ Change Management & Digital Leadership

Whether you’re exploring Gen AI for the first time or scaling your next major deployment, we’ll help you harness AI’s potential, while staying true to your mission and the communities you serve.

Let’s put AI to work.
Visit us at ENGR.Solutions or email us at info@engr.solutions to start your AI journey.

Sources 

Responsible Use of AI: GC AI Strategy Overview (2025–2027)

Guide on the Use of Generative AI in Government

The Value of AI in the Public Sector

2024 Global Risks Report: AI-Powered Misinformation

AI Risks and Incidents

AI Has an Environmental Problem: Here’s What the World Can Do

Generative AI Adoption Index 2023

Generative AI in Cities: Report on Opportunities and Governance (2023)