On Monday, Governor Phil Murphy signed bill A-5728/S-4485 into law, creating the New Jersey Innovation Authority (NJIA). The legislation formalizes the New Jersey State Office of Innovation (OOI) as an authority within the Department of the Treasury. This move builds on seven years of work by OOI to update services for residents, businesses, and other state institutions.
New Jersey is now the first state in the country to make a state innovation office permanent through legislation. The new law makes human-centered and agile technology practices a key part of New Jersey’s approach to innovation.
“With the permanent establishment of the New Jersey Innovation Authority, we are ensuring state government continues to deliver more efficient and effective services for New Jerseyans long after my time in office,” Murphy said.
“From advancing responsible AI use to streamlining processes for residents, our Office of Innovation has made remarkable strides for our state since its establishment in 2018. I look forward to watching the New Jersey Innovation Authority develop new solutions to real-world problems, save our residents and businesses time and money, and further New Jersey’s reputation as a national leader in innovation.”
Michele Siekerka, president and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), supported the new law. NJBIA is recognized as one of the largest statewide employer associations in the United States and represents employers across many sectors including manufacturing, retail, wholesale, contracting, and services (source, official website). It works to promote business success by providing information and advocating for policies that benefit its members.
“The establishment of a permanent New Jersey Innovation Authority is smart, forward-thinking policy that will help our state to lead in the innovation space through efficiencies, modernization of outdated systems and more accessibility for our residents and businesses,” Siekerka said.
“The office can also remain nimble and proactive as it relates to emerging or updated technologies. NJBIA thanks Governor Murphy and the sponsors for their support of this bill.”
The NJIA will allow OOI’s staff—experts in technology, engineering, data analysis, design, and policy—to continue using agile software development methods along with human-centered design principles. Their goal is to improve how public services are designed and delivered.
In August 2018, Governor Murphy created a cabinet-level Chief Innovation Officer position to head OOI. Beth Noveck was appointed as the first Chief Innovation Officer until 2024; Dave Cole succeeded her.
“Now more than ever, we need a government that is efficient, effective, and equitable in its delivery of service to all New Jerseyans,” Cole said. “This new structure stands a model of what we know works: a data-driven, human-centered, and agile approach to improving the critical services that support our residents and grow our economy. I thank Governor Murphy and the New Jersey State Legislature for their vision and leadership over the past seven years to establish and codify innovation efforts.”
The NJIA will have a 13-member Board of Directors chosen by the governor. The board will include ex-officio members as well as individuals from outside government who have expertise in areas such as data science or digital product development.
Beth Noveck commented on OOI’s progress: “The Office of Innovation has become a national model for delivering better, more human-centered government – from modernizing critical services and reducing administrative burden to responsibly deploying AI tools that improve efficiency, access, and equity for New Jerseyans,” she said.
“Its focus on real-world impact, interdisciplinary talent, and building alongside the public has helped position New Jersey as a leader in service delivery and responsible innovation. The creation of the Innovation Authority reflects a clear commitment to sustaining and scaling this work.”
Since its founding in 2018 under Governor Murphy’s administration—with collaborations across nearly every state agency—the OOI has worked on projects like making call centers more modern or helping people start businesses faster.
New Jersey Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio stated: “The new NJIA will help agencies across New Jersey state government focus even more on how we can make technology human-centered effective efficient… With this team’s partnership we’ll build on progress already made together.”
Legislative sponsors also praised enactment:
Senator Andrew Zwicker noted: “From helping millions… access benefits… improving digital tools… [the] Office… has shown what is possible when government embraces modern data-driven approaches…. This legislation will establish [it] as an authority… allow it flourish under future administrations.”
Senator Angela McKnight added: “The Office… focused on developing tools… By establishing permanent [authority], we ensure commitment equity efficiency public service meeting those need wherever they are.”
Assemblyman Chris Tully remarked: “This about building infrastructure long-term economic growth through cutting-edge technology…. laying foundation smarter connected NJ embraces innovation not just words but bold structured investment.”
Assemblywoman Pintor Marin stated: “NJ residents deserve government moves at speed their lives…. Establishing Authority help us modernize outdated systems streamline services increase accessibility deliver responsive user-centered government everyone calls Garden State home.”
Assemblyman Bill Moen concluded: “As NJ continues positioning itself leader innovation Office played key role developing technologies help startups emerging companies grow…. Codifying [Office] into [Authority] ensures continuation future bolstering impact can have businesses throughout state.”
For additional information about NJBIA’s mission or membership visit their official website.
