Recently, we had the distinct privilege of collaborating with the Governor’s Task Force on Emerging Technology in Oklahoma, a venture that aimed to shape the state’s future in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In September 2023, Governor Kevin Stitt announced the creation of a task force to study the potential uses, benefits and security vulnerabilities of artificial intelligence and generative artificial intelligence. Through an executive order, the Governor’s Task Force on Emerging Technologies was established to study, evaluate, and develop policy and administrative recommendations related to the responsible deployment of AI and GenAI. The task force was composed of 11 members with the State CIO, Joe McIntosh, serving as chair. Additional professionals and industry experts contributed to the task force’s goal of delivering a report by December 31st, 2023 that considered the following:
- Developing a set of principles and values that will guide the development and use of Al and GenAl within state government;
- Developing and implementing a governance framework that outlines the policies, procedures, and processes for the development, deployment, and use of Al and GenAl, with special attention paid to: (1) data management outlining how Al data will be collected, stored, used, and shared); (2) model development outlining the process for developing, testing, and deploying Al models); (3) model monitoring outlining how Al models will be monitored for performance, bias, and security vulnerabilities); and (4) human oversight (outlining the role of humans in the oversight and control of Al systems);
- Determining how to educate, train, and upskill current and future workers in the use of Al and GenAI;
- Improving government services; and
- Improving government efficiencies.
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The Governor’s vision was clear: to establish Oklahoma as a leader in AI, not just regionally but nationally. This bold initiative was not merely about adopting new technologies; it was about identifying the ways in which AI can be used to make government more efficient, improve education, and prepare our workforce for tomorrow’s economy.
Find the executive order here.
The Task Force bought on Future Point of View to help craft the report that would ultimately be delivered to the Governor. Our task was twofold: to assess the capabilities, risks, and opportunities of AI and to formulate strategy recommendations for both public and private sectors in Oklahoma. This directive culminated in the creation of two documents, a report assessing the potential of AI and delivering strategy recommendations focused on state agencies, and a second, supplemental document which focused on the private sector implications of AI.
AI Strategy for State Agencies
In our 50-page report titled “AI Strategy for State Agencies in Oklahoma,” we delved into the intricacies of integrating AI into state operations. We suggested key leadership positions, like establishing a chief artificial intelligence officer, and proposed the formation of an AI oversight committee. Our recommendations were aimed at ensuring that AI implementation within state agencies was not only innovative but also responsible and ethical.
Supplemental AI Strategy for Businesses
Our 15-page supplemental report, “AI Strategy for Businesses in Oklahoma,” focused on the private sector. We highlighted the need for AI education across various levels and the importance of workforce retraining programs. This report emphasized creating an ecosystem that supports AI innovation and makes Oklahoma a hub for cutting-edge technological creativity.
Throughout both reports, we underscored the ethical implementation of AI. We recommended transparency, accountability, and robust data protection measures, stressed the importance of educational initiatives to develop expertise among Oklahoma’s citizens and government agencies, and highlighted some of the strategic advantages and unique opportunities Oklahoma has to capitalize on the technology and become a regional, or even national, leader in the utilization and support of AI initiatives.
While these reports only offer recommendations, the true challenge lies ahead: driving implementation and adoption of these strategies to support Oklahoma’s public and private sector.
On January 23rd, the Governor’s office delivered a press release to detail the findings of the report. Among the key findings of the report was the potential to increase government efficiency and reduce government headcount in order to free up labor for private sector organizations.
In the press release, the Governor noted that “AI also has the potential to help us steward taxpayer dollars in a more responsible way by cutting redundant positions and replacing some positions with AI technology. In Oklahoma, 21% of the workforce is employed by federal, state or local governments while the ideal percentage would be closer to 13%. Artificial intelligence creates possibilities for more efficient employment and government services.”
The press release also summarized the outcome of the reports in regards to recommendations to support businesses in Oklahoma:
- Enhance Oklahoma’s economy through increased investment in AI infrastructure to stimulate economic growth and technological leadership.
- Ensure AI is implemented ethically by emphasizing transparency, accountability and data protection.
- Implement AI education across K-12 and higher education while investing in workforce retraining programs to prepare current and future generations for an AI-centric job market.
- Support AI innovation by encouraging research and development, fostering new public-private partnerships, and aiding start-ups to make Oklahoma a hub for cutting-edge technological creativity.
The primary recommendations to support AI implementation within the state agencies included:
- Create leadership positions within the state, such as establishing a chief artificial intelligence officer.
- Establish an AI oversight committee that incorporates all three branches of government.
- Establish an AI technology economic development task force to leverage Oklahoma’s AI infrastructure.
- Establish an AI digital workforce task force to encourage the existing workforce to incorporate more digital employees.
- Establish an AI technology talent task force to recruit more technologically skilled individuals to Oklahoma.
Read the full press release here.
At FPOV, we are honored to have the opportunity to contribute to Oklahoma’s AI-driven future. We share Governor Stitt’s enthusiasm that “Oklahoma could truly be the AI capital of the nation.”
The path ahead is exciting and laden with possibilities. As Oklahoma embarks on this transformative journey, FPOV remains dedicated to supporting the state’s aspirations to become a leader in AI. We believe these initiatives will not only benefit Oklahoma and its citizens but also set a precedent for others to follow in leveraging technology to create a brighter future for our people.
About the Author
Trent’s natural curiosity for emerging technology makes him a great addition to FPOV’s Business Development team. As Business Expansion Manager, Trent leverages his passion for pitching new concepts to evangelize the FPOV offerings. Learn more about Trent Saunders.