South Carolina is setting out to “identify and operationalize” artificial intelligence technologies, with a new 17-page game plan and assistance from IT leaders across the state to guide its efforts.
The state’s recently released Artificial Intelligence Strategy outlines a three-pronged approach to successful AI implementation: protect, promote and pursue. The plan was developed by the state’s chief information officer and chief information security officer, in collaboration with a working group led by the South Carolina Department of Administration (DOA) and leaders from 10 other state agencies, according to an accompanying letter. These state leaders surveyed all state agencies and held several information-gathering sessions to guide the plan’s development.
The document gives a comprehensive breakdown of how AI automation will be used throughout state services — including for predictive identification of issues before they arise; and to enhance the citizen experience through language aggregation tools, making city services more accessible to people of all backgrounds.
The plan also highlights the workforce development benefits of using AI, which include decision support to help employees manage customer cases and providing training through AI modules to maintain a high level of customer service.
The strategy is designed around guiding principles for AI adoption to ensure data and systems are kept safe and secure, AI is applied fairly and objectively, ethical standards are met; and that AI is used to achieve positive benefits and in ways that are easily understood.
The first step toward AI implementation lies in developing a statewide policy for agencies on the acceptable use of AI, AI technology procurement and the protection of sensitive data, according to the document. It speaks to the progression of AI pilots or proofs of concept — beginning with small-scale projects to test the effectiveness of technologies, and using accumulated data to shape future applications.
Officials will continue to collaborate on the topic; the strategy calls for establishing an AI advisory group of industry and academic leaders, and for creating an AI center of excellence of IT leaders from around the state to offer insight, evaluation and feedback on projects.
DOA’s Office of Technology and Information Services and Division of Information Security are charged with carrying out the road map’s directives and creating the building blocks the state will need to move forward with AI.
