North Carolina is set to become a hub for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation with the announcement of a new executive order by Governor Josh Stein. The executive order establishes the framework for AI literacy, governance, and deployment in the state, introducing an AI Leadership Council and an AI Accelerator within the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT), which was highlighted by the Governor's Office.
At the center of this ambitious initiative, Governor Stein sees both the opportunities and risks that come with AI, aiming to equip North Carolina for future challenges, "AI has the potential to transform how we work and live, carrying with it both extraordinary opportunities and real risks," he said in a statement, "Our state will be stronger if we are equipped to take on these challenges responsibly," while looking forward to the Council assisting the state in effectively employing AI to enhance government operations and drive economic growth additionally improving North Carolinians' lives, as per the Governor's Office.
The AI Leadership Council, co-chaired by the Secretary of Information Technology Teena Piccione and Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley, will offer strategic guidance to state agencies and the Governor on AI policy and training. The Council promises to lead North Carolina into a new era of technology-driven prosperity, as Piccione emphasized, "The AI Accelerator, along with our other initiatives, puts us in a strong position to implement swift and transformative solutions." With initiatives such as Amazon's new $10 billion AI innovation campus in Richmond County, and the FUJIFILM Diosynth facility—the largest end-to-end biomanufacturing facility in North America—North Carolina is quickly becoming a magnet for AI-related industries, according to the Governor's Office.
Recognizing the need for a skilled workforce, the executive order makes provisions for an AI Literacy and Fraud Prevention Training Program for the general public; this, along with an AI Oversight Team for each state agency, the order lays out a comprehensive plan for AI integration across the state government's departments and agencies, as the demand for such technologies is expected to place significant new demands on North Carolina’s energy grid and workforce, proactive planning and preparation will be essential for promoting job growth and managing AI-related energy demands furthermore AI is also being deployed by the State of North Carolina to improve government operations.
For detailed insight and a list of AI Leadership Council members, the public can access the full text of Governor Stein's executive order at [email protected].
