Last week, Governor Ivey’s office announced the formation of a task force aimed at proposing policies for the responsible and efficient utilization of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) within state executive-branch agencies.

The task force was created by Executive Order 738.

The statement explained that the task force “will consist of seven cabinet members, two representatives from Alabama higher education, and four legislators, including two state representatives and two state senators.”

Dr. Hari Narayanan, Department Chair of Computer Science and Software Engineering at Auburn University, is one of the two representatives from academia on the committee.

Dr. Narayanan explained the significance of having representatives from academia, the Cabinet, and the Legislature on the task force.

“Scholarship in the technical underpinnings and ethical use of GenAI resides in Alabama’s institutions of higher education. The Cabinet has knowledge and technical expertise regarding where opportunities of GenAI to enhance the performance of state executive-branch agencies are. The Legislature is of course important in deciding laws pertaining to the use of GenAI,” said Dr. Narayanan. “So the complementary expertise of these three groups of Task Force members and their collaboration are what will ensure the success of this Task Force.”

Dr. Matthew Hudnall, Associate Director of the Institute of Data & Analytics at the University of Alabama and GenAI committee member, is optimistic about what AI can do for Alabama businesses.

“The word that comes to mind is opportunity,” Dr. Hudnall told the Business Journal. “The executive order highlights the need for pilot projects using AI. To me, that sounds like an excellent opportunity for innovative businesses to evaluate ideas at the next level. For Alabama to establish an environment that carefully evaluates but encourages AI is a significant opportunity for businesses to create the next big thing.”

Stacia Robinson, Director of the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs, will be one of seven Alabama Cabinet members on the team.

Director Robinson anticipates that the committee will help prepare Alabama’s workforce to meet the needs of an evolving marketplace.

“The collaboration signifies a strong investment in the future workforce, with education initiatives likely to produce graduates skilled in AI and related technologies. This talent pool can provide businesses with the human capital needed to drive growth, innovate, and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly digital economy,” said Director Robinson.

While the delegation will review the use of GenAI statewide, Dr. Narayanan anticipates that the possibilities for economic growth created by AI will be especially pronounced in North Alabama.

“Given the concentration of federal entities, businesses, and a highly trained STEM workforce in North Alabama, opportunities for effective use and guidelines for responsible use of GenAI that this committee will identify and develop ought to have a very positive impact on this region,” Dr. Narayanan told the Business Journal. “Auburn, with its significant expertise in AI and a Research and Innovation Campus in Huntsville, can help not only disseminate the findings in North Alabama but also assist the community in effectively implementing GenAI, once the Task Force completes its work and submits a report to the Governor.”

The GenAI Task Force is expected to submit this report, including findings and recommendations, to Governor Ivey by November 30, 2024.