This Month at CPSAI
It's been an exciting and productive month at CPSAI! We started our first proof of concept for the Project Clearinghouse, a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to provide innovative solutions to the HHS community. In addition, we're hard at work preparing to publish our evaluation guide and other relevant tools designed to help HHS leaders better understand and implement emerging technologies in their agencies.
Our collaborations continue to thrive as well. This month, we convened with several key partners, including the National Governors Association (NGA), Ben Con, and the Funders Roundtable September Symposium. We're carrying this momentum into October, with plans to engage at APHSA, Aspen Institute Benefit Leadership Forum, Aspen ThinkXChange, and the Harvard HHS Leadership Summit.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue pushing forward on these exciting initiatives!
This Month in AI News
Each month, we curate a selection of the most impactful AI stories from around the globe, focusing on innovations, regulatory updates, ethical debates, and breakthrough applications in various sectors, including the public sector. Stay informed with our concise and insightful summaries that keep you at the forefront of AI developments. Whether you're an AI enthusiast, a policy maker, or a professional in the field, this section will provide you with the knowledge you need to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of AI technology.
State and Local AI Adoption Insights
EY recently released a nationwide survey revealing that state and local agencies are lagging behind their federal counterparts in adopting AI technologies. The survey found that only 51% of state and local agencies use AI daily, compared to 64% of federal agencies. It also highlighted the major challenges to wider AI adoption, including a lack of governance and ethical frameworks, inadequate data infrastructure, and uncertainty about which AI tools best meet local needs.
These obstacles took center stage at the Digital Benefits Conference hosted by the Beeck Center for Social Impact and Innovation. Leaders from local and state governments discussed how the absence of proper governance and data quality programs is holding back AI advancements in public benefit programs.
House Panel Passes AI Bills to Boost Research, Workforce, and Safety Initiatives
The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee passed nine bipartisan AI-related bills, including legislation to codify the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) and establish the AI Safety Institute under a new name. These bills aim to enhance AI research, workforce development, and safety measures. While many House bills have counterparts moving through the Senate, differences remain, particularly around funding for AI safety initiatives. Legislators emphasize the importance of advancing AI technology without imposing burdensome regulations, but concerns over underfunding and international competition remain key discussion points.
A Comprehensive Guide to Data Policy for AI Development
The Data Foundation has released a guide aimed at helping policymakers navigate the challenges of data policy in the context of artificial intelligence. As AI systems heavily rely on vast amounts of data, the guide emphasizes the importance of high-quality, responsibly governed data. It highlights key components for sound data practices, including data integrity, privacy protections, transparency, and technical infrastructure. The guide also addresses the evolving landscape of AI, urging policymakers to develop comprehensive approaches to ensure AI data use aligns with public interests, ethical standards, and democratic values.
AI in The Public Sector
In this section, we highlight how AI is being leveraged to improve efficiency, enhance service delivery, and address critical challenges faced by public sector organizations. From innovative pilot projects and successful implementations to policy updates and ethical considerations, we cover a wide range of topics that demonstrate the potential and reality of AI in government.
Building Trust Through AI in Colorado’s New Data Governance Framework
Colorado’s newly released “Guide to Artificial Intelligence” aims to support state agencies in implementing generative AI technologies. Amy Bhikha, the state’s Chief Data Officer, emphasizes that success will depend on fostering innovation, building trust, and enhancing the state’s data governance program. The guidelines focus on balancing innovation with trust through a robust data governance framework, which involves inventorying state data and ensuring its quality and bias-free nature. This initiative follows earlier AI legislation, SB 24-205, establishing consumer protections for AI systems. Bhikha also highlighted the need for AI literacy among state employees and collaboration with other states to shape AI policies.
Indiana Introduces AI Chatbot with Focus on User Feedback
Indiana has introduced a generative AI chatbot on its official state website, IN.gov, designed to easily answer public inquiries. The state has taken a measured approach, launching the tool in a beta phase with a prominent six-point disclaimer warning users about potential errors and the need for information verification. Developed in collaboration with Tyler Technologies, the chatbot has had over 5,000 interactions since its quiet launch in June 2023. Transparency, user feedback, and continuous improvement are central to the state's strategy, as Indiana officials focus on mitigating risks and refining the tool before a wider rollout.