Towards Advancing <scp>AI</scp> Governance, Innovation, and Risk Management: <scp>US</scp> Government Agencies' Reflections

ABSTRACT Government agencies' use of AI has the capacity to improve and radically transform the essence of digital government. It is critical to avoid restrictive policies that constrain innovation or, conversely, insufficient regulation that could lead to social and ethical issues. However, the rapid deployment of AI in government has faced criticism for posing significant challenges to democracy, especially given the inherent governance issues. It is critical as it encompasses responsible and effective use to protect democratic values in government agencies' structures, processes, and practices. This study contributes to information science by exploring how federal agencies, in their compliance plans, are responding to the Management and Budget memorandum requirement for advancing AI governance, innovation, and risk management through a content analysis of 23 federal agencies' compliance plans. The conclusion indicated that government agencies predominantly advance AI governance, innovation, and risk management by focusing on control rather than transformative innovation.