Some state and local governments may embrace AI wholly, while others may take a more measured approach. Either way, experts said, the competition to be first is moot.
Announcing its ambitions to be a “global hub” for artificial intelligence, California was the first state to regulate its use by state agencies. Boston was one of the first cities to issue guidelines for how its workers can use generative AI. And Tempe, Arizona, turned heads last June when it enacted what is believed to be the first policy on AI’s ethical use.
Recognizing its economic and cost-savings potential, everybody wants to be first to harness AI. But while the race to embrace the new technology may leave some government leaders feeling like they are already lagging behind, they needn’t worry so much, according to David Graham, chief innovation officer for the city of Carlsbad, California, and co-chair of the Civic Innovation Executive Certificate program at the Technology and Entrepreneurship Center at Harvard University.
Graham said it’s still too early in policy development for governments to measure themselves against each other. What’s more, every government’s AI needs and uses will be different, making any sense of competition moot.
ROUTE FIFTY
by CHRIS TEALE
APRIL 12, 2024