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 about 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 the 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 the survey is accessible via mobile phone or computer. B-roll of the survey in use is available here. 

“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, the State of New Jersey's Chief AI Strategist. "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 New Jersey State Chief Technology Officer and AI Task Force Co-Chair Chris Rein. “With this survey, we are making sure to include the voices of those directly impacted by artificial intelligence so that we can harness it in a way that is equitable, responsible, and secure.”

“New Jersey’s talented workforce has long been a key to our economic success and our legacy of innovation, so I commend the AI Task Force for wisely seeking their input on how this technology could impact the workplace,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and AI Task Force Co-Chair. “With the help of our workers, under the leadership of Governor Murphy, the Task Force will have a clearer roadmap for how to navigate the risks and benefits of AI while ensuring New Jersey emerges as a leader in this field. Together, we can help businesses big and small harness this incredible technology and build a stronger economy for all.”

The New Jersey AI Task Force was established by Governor Murphy through Executive Order No. 346 to analyze the potential impacts of AI on society and to prepare recommendations to identify government actions encouraging the ethical use of AI technologies. 

The survey of New Jersey’s private-sector workforce comes on the heels of the AI Task Force’s comprehensive survey of public-sector employees’ knowledge, attitudes, and interests around AI. That engagement informed the AI training for State workers that was launched in early July, which was timed with the rollout of the NJ AI Assistant, a generative AI-powered platform for New Jersey State employees to safely and responsibly improve government services and operations.