#United States #New York #AI Leadership #Emerging Technology

New York's Commitment to AI Leadership

On December 12, 2024, the Emerging Technology Advisory Board (ETAB) of New York published its first report aimed at enhancing the state’s position as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI). This significant initiative stems from Governor Kathy Hochul’s vision to establish New York as a thriving environment for emerging technologies, thereby transforming it into a global innovation hub.

The ETAB, which was introduced by Governor Hochul in June 2024, acts as an independent advisory board composed of industry leaders and educational experts. Co-chaired by IBM’s CEO, Arvind Krishna, and Girls Who Code’s CEO, Dr. Tarika Barrett, the board brings together a diverse group of stakeholders dedicated to advancing New York’s technological ecosystem.

The report outlines several recommendations aimed at promoting responsible AI integration throughout the state. Drawing insights from over 40 external stakeholders and experts, it identifies numerous strengths New York possesses, including a robust economy, a well-educated tech workforce, and a strong legacy of innovation. However, it also addresses the challenges faced, particularly concerning skills development and workforce readiness for the rapidly evolving landscape of AI.

Key Recommendations

The board has set forth three fundamental ambitions:

• - Enable all businesses in New York to responsibly deploy AI at scale: This ambition emphasizes the need for businesses to implement AI technologies ethically and efficiently.
• - Commit to supporting the New York AI ecosystem through upskilling efforts: Recognizing the importance of workforce education, this ambition seeks to enhance the skills of those employed in or entering the tech sector.
• - Ensure every worker in New York can thrive in the new AI landscape: The focus here is to create an inclusive environment where workers have equitable access to the benefits that AI technologies can provide.

To accomplish these ambitions, the report details nine strategic recommendations, each supported by a comprehensive framework. These suggestions aim to foster strong collaborations between public and private sectors, ensuring timely and effective AI adoption while meeting the needs of all New Yorkers.

Governor Hochul's Vision

In her remarks about the report, Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of ethical AI that benefits all individuals in New York. “Our commitment to delivering accessible and equitable jobs is at the heart of this initiative,” she stated. She also expressed gratitude towards the ETAB members for their dedication to crafting these recommendations, looking forward to collaborating with experts from various sectors to further enhance the state’s technological future.

Industry Leaders’ Insights

Arvind Krishna noted, “The ETAB has laid out a comprehensive blueprint for New York to emerge as a leader in trustworthy AI.” This blueprint is not just about technological advancement; it seeks to ensure that AI deployment is responsible and universally beneficial. Dr. Tarika Barrett echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for the technological future to reflect the diverse values of New York’s communities.

The release of this report marks an exciting step towards shaping a future where technology and ethics coexist harmoniously. As New York embarks on this journey, the collaboration among government officials, industry leaders, and educational institutions will be paramount in realizing a sustainable and innovative AI ecosystem.

The full report is now accessible for public review, setting the stage for New York to solidify its standing as a pioneer in the field of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Through ongoing commitment and collaboration, the state plans to not only advance its technologies but also empower its workforce, ensuring that economic growth is both inclusive and sustainable.