Three Lessons from Yuval Noah Harari for 21st Century Public Service

As I delved into Yuval Noah Harari's 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, -- author of the acclaimed Sapiens -- two themes stood out: the transformative impact of AI on the workforce and the critical need for reliable sources of truth. These lessons bear acute relevance for local government leaders faced with unprecedented workforce challenges and equally as many promises of opportunity through AI. As we wade through these uncertain times, Harari's typically thoughtful observations are worth calling out:

1. The Automation Challenge: Adapting to Workforce Changes

Harari’s analysis of AI and job displacement is a wake-up call for local governments. The integration of AI into public administration is inevitable, and it brings with it the potential for significant workforce disruption. Routine tasks, from data entry to administrative processing, are increasingly performed by machines, which leads to a reduction in the need for human labor in these areas.

Local governments, which are already grappling with high vacancy rates, must rethink their staffing strategies. The key lies not in resisting technological advancements but in harnessing them to improve efficiency while simultaneously addressing the workforce gap. This means investing in retraining and upskilling current employees to prepare them for new roles that technology will create. For instance, employees can transition from routine administrative tasks to roles that require human judgment, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

During my tenure as Chief Data Officer for Los Angeles, we built various analytic tools such as the Mayoral Dashboard and the GeoHub GIS platform, but usage was limited. Now, however, with powerful analytic tools through GenAI at everyone’s fingertips, the challenge may be less around building a singular platform everyone will use and instead empowering staff to use the tools already at their disposal — in strategic, productive ways.

2.?New Job Opportunities: Preparing for the Future

Harari’s vision of emerging job opportunities is particularly relevant for government agencies. As automation takes over repetitive tasks, new roles that demand human creativity and advanced problem-solving skills will emerge. Governments must proactively identify these future job markets and equip their employees with the necessary skills to thrive in them.

In Los Angeles, we launched an Innovation Fund focused on internal, staff-led innovations, preparing the city's workforce for a future where technology and innovation are at the forefront. And the technology is being driven by staff — empowering the workforce to meet the evolving demands of public service themselves.

3.??Trust in Information: The Pillar of Effective Governance

One of Harari’s most compelling arguments is the crucial role of reliable information in maintaining public trust. In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, governments must double down on their commitment to transparency and accuracy. Reliable data is not just a tool for decision-making; it is the foundation of trust between the government and its citizens.

Especially in the age of AI, governments must leverage technology to provide clear, accurate, and timely information to the public. This transparency is essential for building and maintaining trust in an age where skepticism and misinformation are rampant. We laid some of this groundwork during the open data movement of the early 2010s, but there is still a data debt our public institutions need to pay.

Bridging the Gap: From Strategy to Implementation

The insights from "21 Lessons for the 21st Century" highlight the need for a strategic approach to workforce development and data management in local government. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the age of AI, it is imperative to invest in our workforce and prioritize transparency.

Local governments must embrace a forward-thinking mindset, preparing for the jobs of the future while maintaining the public's trust through reliable and transparent information. By doing so, we can create a resilient, adaptable, and trusted public sector capable of meeting the demands of the 21st century.