Civic Innovations

The recent news about DeepSeek that has shaken up the technology sector generally, and the AI industry specifically, holds an important lesson for government agencies looking to invest in AI. When it comes to investing in AI tools and platforms, sometimes the smartest move is to be patient.

AI models are rapidly evolving, and what’s cutting-edge today can become commodity tomorrow. This trend means prices are falling, capabilities are improving, and competition is growing. Governments that rush into early AI investments risk locking themselves into specific vendors and platforms. These choices can create long-term costs and dependencies that limit flexibility—at a time when the market is becoming more open and affordable.

Taking a measured approach doesn’t mean ignoring AI. Instead, it means critically evaluating the value of early adoption versus the benefits of waiting for the market to mature. It means focusing on investments that position governments to take full advantage of future AI tools, without unnecessary vendor lock-in.

The most important investment governments can make today isn’t in AI tools—it’s in their data. High-quality, well-managed, and accessible data is the lifeblood of AI. By improving how they collect, clean, and govern data, agencies can ensure they are ready to leverage the best AI tools when the time is right.

Patience doesn’t mean inaction. It means preparing for a future where AI tools are cheaper, more capable, and more competitive—while ensuring governments remain in control of their own destiny. By investing in data and critically evaluating vendor commitments, governments can maximize the value of AI for the people they serve.