GTA hosts summit to mobilize Georgia government for AI usage

The power of artificial intelligence - both constructive and potentially risky - was center stage at a December 12 conference hosted by the Georgia Technology Authority. The event, the Georgia Emerging Technology Summit: AI, brought together state agency leaders and technology vendors to map an informed approach to AI usage across Georgia state government.

Presenters agreed, AI isn't just future tense. It is now. And now is the time for government to capitalize on the opportunities.

"No one person knows all there is to know about AI," said Georgia's Chief AI and Digital Officer Nikhil Deshpande. "The story is evolving today with new chapters being written even as we speak. So, this is the moment we in state government need to come together on a strategy for effectively using AI. No one argues the incredible potential."

Summit speakers from government and industry highlighted AI use cases ranging from customized chatbots to translation and summarization services. From pattern/anomaly detection to computer code generation. They presented AI not as a job taker but as an augmenter and enhancer of job performance and even job satisfaction. And they encouraged careful attention to data management, privacy, policies, ethical handling, and education on what AI is and what it enables.

"We in Georgia government don't want to wait for AI to happen to us," said State CIO and GTA Executive Director Shawnzia Thomas. "We want to guide how it unfolds and how it allows us to better serve Georgians. This AI summit provided a golden opportunity for our state government to collaborate toward that goal."

GTA partnered with Government Technology and e.Republic to produce the Atlanta event. Vendor booths hosted by sponsors gave attendees opportunities between summit sessions to learn more about AI considerations from industry leaders. A session featuring Georgia state Senator John Albers examined legislative dimensions of AI adoption. And GTA closed out the day's program by forecasting elements of an envisioned state AI program. Included are expansion of AI policies and standards, formation of an AI center of excellence, an innovation lab, and a sandbox where agencies could experiment with AI solutions in a safe environment before broader implementation.