New Jersey Becomes First State to Survey Workers About Generative Artificial Intelligence, Results Will Inform Policy Recommendations to Governor
TRENTON – In a national first, New Jersey is consulting workers in the state about generative artificial intelligence. Given the technology’s potential to transform the nature of work and the skills needed to succeed, the State of New Jersey’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force seeks to hear directly from workers about their hopes and concerns regarding the technology. The results will inform the Task Force’s recommendations to the Governor.
The survey, available at NJ.gov/aisurvey, asks residents to provide their input on what they believe are the most important challenges and opportunities when it comes to artificial intelligence in the workplace.
“There is no question that Generative AI has the potential to transform our society and impact workers across industries – not just those in the tech sector,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Generative Artificial intelligence can be used to improve the day-to-day lives of New Jerseyans. This survey will ensure that our residents’ voices are heard and used to influence our decisions, helping us develop appropriate policies, opportunities, and guardrails.”
The online engagement will be available until August 7, 2024, and uses All Our Ideas, a unique platform developed in New Jersey. Participation is anonymous and accessible via mobile phone or computer.
“Change is coming with Generative AI and workers will be on the frontlines, adapting to these radical shifts. So as we seek to prepare the State and its people for the future, we must put residents at the heart of any decision made about this technology,” said Beth Simone Noveck, Chief AI Strategist for New Jersey. "By better understanding what workers hope artificial intelligence can accomplish and what they are wary of, we can help create a more empowering work environment and ensure this technology is used ethically and effectively.”
“As we work to leverage AI’s enormous potential, we must also safeguard our values and ensure all of New Jersey’s residents can benefit from this technology," said Chris Rein, Chief Technology Officer for New Jersey and Co-Chair of the AI Task Force. “With this survey, we are making sure to include voices directly impacted by artificial intelligence so that we can harness it equitably, responsibly, and securely.”
“New Jersey’s talented workforce has long been key to our economic success and legacy of innovation; I commend the AI Task Force for wisely seeking their input on how this technology could impact workplaces,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and Co-Chair of the AI Task Force. “With help from our workers under Governor Murphy's leadership, we will have a clearer roadmap for navigating AI's risks and benefits while ensuring New Jersey emerges as a leader in this field."
The New Jersey AI Task Force was established by Governor Murphy through Executive Order No. 346 to analyze AI's potential impacts on society and prepare recommendations encouraging ethical use of AI technologies.
This private-sector workforce survey follows an earlier comprehensive survey conducted by the AI Task Force among public-sector employees regarding their knowledge, attitudes towards AI. Insights from that engagement informed early July's launch of state worker training on AI coinciding with NJAI Assistant rollout—a generative-AI-powered platform aimed at improving government services responsibly.
