AI Governance Jobs Surge as Governments Embrace New Tech

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is prompting governments at all levels to create new roles dedicated to managing its responsible implementation and potential impacts.

Federal leadership sets the tone: President Biden’s 2023 executive order on AI led to the appointment of chief AI officers across federal agencies, signaling a top-down commitment to proactive AI governance.

• The executive order demonstrates the federal government’s recognition of AI’s growing importance and potential risks.
• By establishing AI leadership roles at the highest levels, the federal government is setting an example for state and local authorities to follow.

States take action: Several states have appointed high-level officials to guide their AI strategies and ensure responsible implementation.

• New Jersey named Beth Simone Noveck as chief AI strategist, tasking her with developing the state’s approach to AI adoption.
• Maryland appointed Nishant Shah as senior adviser for responsible AI, focusing on ethical and effective AI use in state operations.
• Vermont created the position of chief data and artificial intelligence officer, filled by Josiah Raiche, to oversee AI initiatives statewide.
• Georgia expanded the role of its chief digital officer, Nikhil Deshpande, to include AI responsibilities, becoming the chief digital and AI officer.

Local governments join the trend: Municipalities are also recognizing the need for dedicated AI expertise to navigate the complex landscape of emerging technologies.

• Gilbert, Arizona, took a proactive stance by appointing a chief AI strategy and transformation officer to guide the city’s AI adoption and policies.
• Long Beach, California, is currently recruiting for an AI fellow position within its Technology and Innovation Department.
• The Long Beach AI fellow will play a crucial role in developing AI policies, guiding implementation, and ensuring responsible use across city departments.

Long Beach’s innovative approach: The creation of an AI fellow position in Long Beach highlights the city’s forward-thinking attitude towards technology governance.

• This role will be instrumental in shaping the city’s AI strategy and ensuring its alignment with broader technological and innovation goals.
• By placing the position within the Technology and Innovation Department, Long Beach is integrating AI considerations into its broader digital transformation efforts.
• The AI fellow will likely collaborate with various city departments to identify opportunities for AI application and address potential challenges.

Broader implications: The trend of creating dedicated AI positions in government reflects the growing recognition of AI’s transformative potential and associated risks.

• These roles will be critical in developing policies that balance innovation with ethical considerations and public safety.
• Government AI leaders will likely play a key role in fostering public-private partnerships and collaboration with academic institutions to leverage expertise and resources.
• As AI continues to evolve, these positions may expand in scope and importance, potentially leading to the creation of entire departments focused on AI governance and implementation.

Looking ahead: The establishment of AI-focused roles across different levels of government signals a shift towards more proactive and informed technology governance.

• As more governments create these positions, we may see the emergence of best practices and standardized approaches to AI implementation in the public sector.
• The success of these roles could influence private sector organizations to create similar positions, further emphasizing the importance of responsible AI leadership.
• The ongoing recruitment and appointment of AI leaders in government will likely accelerate the adoption of AI technologies in public services, potentially leading to improved efficiency and citizen services.