AI-Driven Automation & Modernization of Agency Operations

At its annual conference in October 2025, the National Association of State CIOs (NASCIO) focused on “measurable modernization” facilitated by artificial intelligence (AI). Intelligent, AI-powered tools can streamline IT, converting slow, manual legacy system upgrades into faster, cheaper, and more secure processes by automating code analysis, testing, data migration, and even generating code, ultimately making systems more efficient, scalable, and future-proof while freeing humans for higher-value tasks. 

There are several ways AI is suited to improve operations. To name just a few:

• By analyzing legacy code, such as COBOL, to understand its structure, find inefficiencies and even rewrite it into modern coding languages, AI reduces legacy debt and eases manpower needs for obsolete coding skills.
• AI tools can automate testing and quality controls, significantly speeding up quality assurance and moving apps to more easily supported operations.
• Using AI can generate predictive maintenance, identifying potential system failures and enabling self-healing capabilities.

Learning Objectives:

• Delineate places in your agency’s IT systems where AI can serve as a bridge between legacy systems and new services for citizens
• Establish priorities for tasks and processes that can be streamlined through the use of AI tools
• Outline metrics that can measure improvements, such as improved accuracy in testing, cost savings through reductions in outside labor costs (such as coding), and faster turnaround time in updating apps