Rhode Island is setting its sights on becoming a national leader in applied artificial intelligence by 2030. The state’s AI Task Force has just released a comprehensive action plan, and it’s a game-changer. The strategy is multipronged, but the top priority is clear: creating a more AI-proficient workforce. This means revamping the education pipeline and retraining current workers. By 2030, we’re looking at AI-focused curricula across K-12 and higher education, plus an expansion of AI accreditation and credentialing programs. The goal? To increase access to industry-relevant skills and make sure Rhode Island has the talent to back up its ambitions.
The action plan is divided into four primary components: education/workforce, cross-sector collaboration, defense industries and maritime technology, and life sciences. The report highlights specific industries poised for significant change due to AI, including government, finance, education, health, manufacturing/defense, and small businesses/startups/nonprofits.
Education and research institutions are cited as existing strengths or “key differentiators” that give the state a unique advantage in AI growth. These institutions can more quickly generate an AI-literate workforce, setting the stage for rapid advancements.
To ensure a smooth implementation of AI tools, the report calls for stronger coordination—or cross-collaboration—among disparate sectors. This includes government agencies, universities, private industry, and research institutions. One proposal is developing shared AI adoption sandboxes and AI-R.I., a statewide resource that would serve as a physical training and support hub for safe AI experimentation.
In the continued lens of safety and risk mitigation, the report calls for the creation of the “Center of Excellence for AI and Data within state government.” This entity would be responsible for evaluating risks such as job displacement, privacy, and algorithmic bias, as well as developing governance and regulatory recommendations. A centralized regulatory framework for data-heavy agencies, such as those under the R.I. Executive Office of Health & Human Services, is also proposed.
According to the report, AI is central to the state’s long-term economic strategy. This includes attracting investment, supporting new industries, and expanding data-driven operations. Veer Mudambi, special projects editor for the Providence Business Journal, highlights the transformative potential of this strategy. “This isn’t just about keeping up with the times; it’s about setting the pace,” Mudambi said. “Rhode Island has a unique opportunity to leverage its existing strengths in education and research to become a beacon of AI innovation.”
The report underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration in achieving these goals. By fostering partnerships between government, academia, and industry, Rhode Island can create a robust ecosystem that supports AI innovation and adoption. The proposed AI adoption sandboxes and AI-R.I. hub are prime examples of how the state plans to facilitate this collaboration.
In the realm of safety and risk mitigation, the creation of the “Center of Excellence for AI and Data” is a forward-thinking move. This center will play a crucial role in addressing the ethical and practical challenges associated with AI implementation. By developing governance and regulatory recommendations, it will ensure that AI technologies are deployed responsibly and ethically.
Rhode Island’s AI strategy is not just about technology; it’s about people. By investing in education and workforce development, the state is laying the groundwork for a future where AI drives economic growth and improves quality of life. The action plan is a bold step towards making Rhode Island a national leader in applied AI, and it’s a journey that promises to be as transformative as the technology itself.