Gov. Josh Shapiro recently signed an executive order establishing responsible standards and a governance framework for state agencies using generative artificial intelligence (AI).
“We can’t ignore new technology – we have to educate ourselves and be proactive to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits of innovation and that’s the approach my administration is taking here in Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said. “This new executive order will help us responsibly integrate this emerging technology into some of our government operations so we can move at the speed of business and better serve Pennsylvanians.”
The order establishes 10 core values that the executive branch will use to govern the use of generative AI. These are accuracy, adaptability, employee empowerment, equity and fairness, innovation, mission alignment, privacy, proportionality, safety and security, and transparency.
The Office of Administration (OA) will develop training materials on generative AI usage and the governance structure, and create generative AI knowledge certifications for employees. It also will explore a science and technology fellowship for post-bachelors, -masters, and -doctoral candidates partially focused on the intersection of generative AI and agencies’ missions.
The order directs agencies to begin preparing for the impact of generative AI on government operations and establishes a generative AI Governing Board.